^/// o 



rys Defenders! 



A MILITARY DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



WRITTEN BV 

G R E E X LEAF S . 1^ U K E r. WA L T E R E. S I if M O X S 
P H I I. T r V W. (J O L L I F F . 



3X>=tOO- 



BOSTON : 

ROCKWELL k CHURCHILL, PRINTERS, 

12 2 Washington S r r k e t ." 

18 7 3. 



l/GIZ.C 



Our Coimtiys Defenders! 



A MILITARY DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



WRITTEN BY 



GEEENLEAF S. TUKEY, WALTER E. SIMMONS, 
PHILIPP W. GOLLIFF. 



-oo'iQ^^ 



BOSTON : 

ROCKWELL & CHURCHILL, PRINTERS, 

122 Washington Street, 

1873. 






TO 
JOSEPH HOOKER POST 23, DEPARTMENT OF MASS., 

G. A. R. 

THIS PLAY IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE 

AUTHORS. 



Any persons playing this piece without the consent of the authors will be 
prosecuted to the utmost extent of the law. 
All communications should be addressed to 

PHILIPP W. GOLLIFF, Business Agent, 
191 Webster Street, 

East Boston, Mass. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 
in the oflBlce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. O. 

XY GRKKN'l.KAK S. TUKEY. AV.VLTEU K. SIM^IOXS. PHILIPr W. GOLLIKK.- 



CAST OF CIIAriACTERS, 

AS ORIGIXALLY TERFORIMED BY 

JOSEPH HOOKER POST 23, G. A. R., 

East Boston, April 22, 1872. 



his sons 



Edward Clifford . 

Guy Lockwood . 

Sani'l Huntington 

Charles Huntington 
Harry Huntington 

Wm. Bryant 
Alphonse DePeyster 
Nath'l Foster 
Fritz Spcigclhalter 
Tom Swift . 
Capt. Gregg 
Pompey 
Policeman . 
Capt. Perry 
Lieut. Harrison 
Tom Marlinspike 
Jack Tarbox 

Pedlar 
Dr. Swett . 
Jas. Harris 
Henry Crittenden 

Newsboy .... 

Major McKee ^ 

Capt. Toombs > Confederates 

Wm. Small > 

Maud Huntington 

Lucy Clifton 

Widow DePeyster 



1 
I 

Y 
I 

J 



of the 
sliip Pembrolie 



Union 
Prixafes 



Greenleaf S. Tukey 

Walter E. Simmons 

Geo. A. Butler 

Wm. A. Waterhouse 

W. S. Greenough 

Geo. E. Harrington 

Wm. A. McLarty 

Isaac B. Noble 

. John Henry 

. Samuel Holt 

W. H. AVarner 

Geo. H. RymiU 

Geo. H. Brown 

A. N. Proctor 

S. P. Hampton 

H. A. Lampher 

S. S. Sampson 

Charles Melville 

J. C. Littlefield 

F. V. Christian 
Frank E. Dodge- 
Master Wm. McBride 
Wm. H. LcAvis 
yco. H. Whalebone 
Edw. Smith 
Mrs. Georgie C. Metcalf 
Miss Mary Kczer 
Mrs. Wm. H. LaAvrence 



"^^^ 



Nurses, Goddess of Liberty, angel, soldiers, sailors, citizens, etc. 



COSTUMES, 



Samuel Huntington. Modern suit of black, gray wig and side 
whiskers. 

Cha's Huntington. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Colo- 
nel's full dress. 

Harry Huntington. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Ser- 
geant. Third — old rags. Fourth — dressing-gown and slippers. 

Edw. Clifford. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Sergeant. 
Third — old rags. Fourth — shirt sleeves. 

Guy Lockwood. First — Modern suit. Second — Kebel Colonel 
Cavalry uniform. 

Wm. Bryant. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Corporal. 
Third — old rags. 

Alphonse DePeyster. First — Modern suit. Second — Union 
Private. Third — old rags. 

Nath'l Foster. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Sergeant. 
Third — old rags. Iron-gray wig and whiskers. 

Fritz Speigelhalter. First — Dutch suit. Second — Union Private. 

Thomas Swift, First — Modern suit. Second — Union Private. 
Third — old rags. (This character is intended to be made up fat, 
until the Prison Scene.) 

Capt. Gregg. Union Captain's uniform. 

Pompey. Full Contraband costume. 

Dr. Swett. First — Union Lieutenant's suit. Second — Modern 
suit. 

Capt. Perry. Naval Captain's uniform. Gray wig and whiskers. 

Lieut. Harrison. Undress Navy uniform. 

Jack Tarl)ox 



r,^^ Tv/r T ^^ <- Uuiou sailors' costume, 
lom Marhngspike 

Maud Huntington. First — Modern evening suit. Second — 
plain black suit. 

Lucy Clifton. Plain black suit. 

Widow DePeyster. Plain black suit. 

Nurses. Black dresses. 

Wigs and beards for stockade scene. 

Goddess of Liberty, angel, soldiers, citizens, etc., in appropriate 
costumes, according to their respective characters. 

TIME — 18G1. 

Time of performance two hours forty-five minutes. 



OUR COUNTRY'S DEFENDERS. 



^r^^^ 



ACT I. 



SCENK I. — HuNTixGTOX's private office. — Enter Nathaniel, r., 
with hooks and papers; sets them doivn, and arranges office. 

Nath'l. Quarter to nine, and none of the boys here yet. It's 
all very well for them as loni? as the old man comes late, but 
some fine day he will take it into his head to come early, and 
then look out, Mr. Billy. {Noise iit outer office.) There they are, 
and Justin time, too, for here comes Hunting'ton, 

Enter Huntington, ii. 

Hunt. Good morning, Nathaniel. 
NailCl. Good morning, sir. 



Hunt. Where's Edward? 

Natlil. He lias just stepped out a moment, sir. He wrili be in 



(Huntington talces coat off, sits, looks over papers and mail.) 

Hunt 

Nath 

directly 

(llxj'STi^GTOii^ lays down paper ^ and remo.rks :) 

Hunt. What a mixed-up state of affairs the country is in at 
present ! There seems to be great excitement in the South, over 
the election of Abraliam Lincoln to the Presidency. I trust 
nothing serious will take place. 

Enter Ed^yard Clifford, r. 

Hunt. Ah, Edward ; good morning, 

Ed.ward. Good morning, sir. 

Hunt. Have you been down on 'change tliis morning? 

Edward. Yes, sir; I have just come from there. 

Hunt. How is cotton ? 

Edward. Gone up, a half to three-quarters. The excitement 
is very great, on account of the anticipated trouble with the 
South. 

Hunt. Has Mr, Lockwood called this morning? 

Edivard. No, sir; he has not. 

Hunt. By the wvcy, Edward, you do not seem to esteem Mr. 
Lockwood very highly. I noticed last evening that you did not 



6 OUR country's defenders, 

treat liim liarcliy with civility. You cannot but reinember that 
ten years ago you came to my office a poor boy. I took you in 
my employ, and by your faithfulness and fidelity you have risen 
to"^your present position, confidential clerk to the largest cottou 
house in tliis city, and aflianced husband of my daughter Maud. 

Edicard. For all your kindness to me, Mr. Huntington, I as- 
sure you 1 am deeply grateful, and I sincerely hope the trust and 
confidence you have placed in me may never be betrayed. 

Hunt. My business relations with Mr. Lockwood have ever 
been the most pleasant. This is his first visit to our city, and I 
wish to extend to hiui that courtesy that is not only due him 
from our house as a business man, but as becomes his poe^ition 
as a gentleman. During my late visit to the South, he did 
everything in his power to make my stay agreeable, and I hope 
nothing will occur to mar the pleasure of this, his first visit to 
our city. 

Edward. I confess I have a dislike to Mr. L., and though he 
may be what he seems, a perfect gentlemau, I have formed a 
difierent opinion of him. 

Iluvt. What particular reason have you for forming other than 
a fav()ral)le one? 

Edward. We sometimes form dislikes for people we know but 
little of; but to be frank with you, Mr. Huntington, I think he 
pays more attention to Maud than he should, knowing our rela- 
tions to eacii other. 

Hunt. Ha! ha! ha! Why, Edward, — jealous? I am sur- 
prised. 

Edivard. I think I have good reasons to be so. It is true Mr. 
Lockwood is your guest, and as such should treat Maud with the 
utmost rospecL; but for almost an entire stranger, I think he is 
too attentive to her. 

Hunt. I think you misjudge him. It is quite natural in your 
position to feel as you do, I suppose; but I really think you 
make loo much of the matter, as 

Enter Billy Buyant, r. 
Billy. Mr. Lockwood. {Exit.') 

Enter Lockwood ^.molting; lows coolly to Edwaed. Edward 

samxe to liim. 

Lode. I trust I am not intruding. 

Hunt. Oh, no; not at all. I am glad to see you. I have been 
expect iiig you all the morning. 

Loci:. J intended to call sooner, but have occupied the morning 
in writing letters to ray friends and in reading the news. I see 
by the morning papers that cottou has advanced one-half to 
tiirec-quai'ters. It is a fortunate thing for you that I nnide that 
last shipment just as I did, for if the cloud which now hangs o'er 
us, and threatens to envelop the country in a civil war, should 



OUR COUNTRY S DEFENDERS. 7 

not clear awa}', the prospects arc that cotton will Idc cxcecdiDgly 
hii;li, if p.ot impossible to get. 

Hunt. Is it your opinion ihat matters ^Yill prove so serious as 
to cause a war? God forbid that such a terrible thing should 
take place between brothers, as it were; altiiough, if the South 
persists in cari'ying out tlie principles of secession that they 
have already put forth, it will be necessary for our government 
to take a firm stand, cost what it may. 

Lock. {Aside.) Humph! {Aloud.) I Iiardly know what an- 
swer to make you, for, to tell you the truth, I have given but 
little thought to affairs of state, although there seemed to be 
considerable excitement in the South when 1 left there, ^vhich, 
after all, maj' blow over befoi'e anything serious takes place. 
{Aside.) But I hope not. 

Hunt. Well, Avell; time will tell, (^o Edward.) Edward, 
make out a check for five thousand dollars, to the order of 
Messrs. White, "Woodward & Co., and step down there and settle 
our account with them. 

(Edward malces out cJiecIc, and Huktixgton signs it.) 

{Exit Edward, r.) 

Lock. Pardon me, Mr. Huntington, but it seems strarige to me 
that you should have allowed this young man to become so inti- 
mate with your daughter. The position he holds in j'our house 
does not seem to me to warrant his assuming such familiarity. 
He is nothing but a clerk in your employ, and although he may 
hold a responsible position, still the very fact of his being but a 
clerk should have made you hesitate in giving him the hand of 
your daughter Maud. 

Hunt. It may perhaps seem strange to you that Mr. Clifford 
should have so lar worked himself into m}^ affections as to have 
obtained my permission to woo my daughter, particularly as his 
station in life is so far beneat;h hers. But he has proved him- 
self to be a young man worth.y of conhdence and esteem. He 
came to my office several years ago, a mere boy and an entire 
stranger. Won by his frank and honest appearance, 1 gave hira 
employment. By his energy and faithful attendance to business 
he inis worked himself to his present position. Having no 
friends in the cit}^ I gave him a free invitation to my house, 
where he soon became acquainted with Maud and her brothers. 
An intimacy grew up between tnem which I rather encouraged 
than disapproved, having taken a strange liking to the young 
man. In short, he won Maud's love; and I am confident that 
in placing her in his care I am giving her to one who, though not 
her equal in wealth, is in every other wa}'' worthy of lier. 

Lock. I by no means intend to insinuate that he may not be 
a worthy young man, and capable of filling the position lie holds 
in your office; but as to his being worthy of your daughter, ex- 
cuse me, if I very much doubt it; but then, our ideas of such 
things are vastly different. We at the South would not tolerate 



OUR COUNTRY S DEFENDERS. 

sncli a matter. But aside from all this, without any intentions 
of injurinii- liim in your estimation, there are other reasons for 
his not bein:^ worthy your daughter's love. 

Hunt. Other reasons! Why, sir, what do you know of the 
young- man ? 

Lock. I know but little, having seen him but a few times, and 
therefore am not perhaps competent to judge of his character; 
had it not been for something which transpired a few evenings 
ago, I should have hesitated in expressing my opinion of his uu= 
worthiness as 1 have. Last Monday evening, as you are aware, 

1 attended the opera. After the peribrmance, it being very stormy 
and disagreeable, I made all haste to reach your house; being 
unable to obtain a conveyance, I was obliged to walk. I had 
gone but a few blocks, when my attention was arrested by a 
man and woman who passed me, the woman apparently intoxi- 
cated. Something in the appearance of the gentleman led me to 
think I had met hlrn before. My first thoughts were to continue 
on my way, without taking further notice of them, but curiosity 
or something or other, I know not what, led me to follow them. 
They passed through several of the principal streets, down into 
a locality, which, although unknown to me, showed in itself the 
nature of its inhabitants. Arriving at a filthy alley, they passed 
down, and were lost from my view. I stepped into a doorway, 
thinking that the young man might soon return, as I desired if 
possible to get a better view of him. After waiting some time, 
he made his appearance; as he passed by me, I found that my 
first suppositions were correct, and I fully identified him as Ed- 
ward Clifi'ord, your confidential clerk. 

Hunt. Edward Clifi'ord ! in)possible! You must be mistaken; 
your acquaintance with him is so limited, that it is very likely 
you have made a great mistake in the person. 

Lock. Upon my honor as a gentleman, I assure you that the 
man I have spoken of was no other than Mr. Clifi'ord. However, 
don't let this circumstance prejudice you against him, as lie can 
jpossilly explain the matter satisfactorily. 

Hunt. I am confident he can, as I have full faith in his honor 
and integrity. In the mean time, I will give this matter farther 
thought, and take the first opportunity to speak to him on the 
subject. (Huntington Zoo/cs a;^ his ivatch.) Half-past two, — I 
had no idea it was so late. Come, let us go to dinner. 

Lock. You will please excuse me, Mr. Huntington, but I have 
an engagement which will prevent me from accepting your in- 
vitation. Present my compliments to your daughter, also ray 
regrets that I am obliged to dine elsewhere to day. 

Hunt. Very well, we shall expect you this evening. 

Jjock. Certainly! GoCd morning ! (^'.t^Y Lockwood, r.) 

Hunt. There seems to be some mystery here; it certainly is 
very strange that Mr. Lockwood should meet Edward at such 
an iiour of the night, in company with a woman of doubtful ap- 
pearance, more especially after his having just left my daughter's 
presence. Either Mr. Lockwood must have made a fearful 



OUR COUNTRY S DEFEXDERS. y 

mistake, or Edward must be a consnniinate villain. And I can- 
not believe tliat. Tlie only tliin.i;- to be done, however, is to hear 
Edward's story and see what he has to say for himself. (Hun- 
tington calls Nathaniel.) 

Enter Nathaniel, k. 

Natia. Sir! 

Hunt. Tell Edward, when he comes in, that I shall not return 
this afternoon. If Mr. Walker, the lawyer, calls, tell him I will 
see him to-morrow mornitii;: at nine o'clock. 

Nath'l. Very well, sir ! (^xi« Huntington, ii. Nathaniel goes 
to table and takes vp newspaper.) I wonder what the news is; I 
have been tryin<>- all day to <>-et hold of a newspaper. Holloa! 
what's this? (Reads aloud.) "Great excitement in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina. Tlie people of the South preparin.2,- for 
war. Raising-of the Palmetto fl:ii? on several of the public build- 
ings; the American flag trailed in the dust." I was afraid it 
would come to this. It seem strange that a people should so 
far forget themselves as to turn against their own interests. 
{Noise and boisterous loAighter in outer office.) There's tliose 
plaguey boys again up to their old tricks; the minute their em- 
ployers bick is turned, it's leave business, and go to playing, 
(Nathaniel looks out the door.) Just as I expected, there's young 
Bryant on a stool playing tragedy, with Alphonse for an au- 
dience. 

(Billy Bryant recites outside.) 

*'At midnight, in his guarded tent. 

The Turk wa> di-eaming of the hour 
When Greece, her knee in suppliance bent. 
Should tremble at his power." 

Enter Billy and Alphonse, r. 

Billy. "To arms ! To arms ! they come ! the Greek ! the Greek !" 
(^Seats himself in chair, putting his feet on the table.) I say, fel- 
lows, aint tills a perfect home for a man? Nathaniel, Nathaniel, 
go to the office for the mail. Alphonso, go make out a check for 
ten thousand dollars. Nathaniel, bring rae- the morning paper. 
(Nathaniel brings paper.) 

Nath'l. Here's the morning paper, mj'' young friend, and there's 
something in it you had better read. Perhaps you won't feel so 
much like shouting "To arms! To arms!" {Shoius Bryant 
paper tciih paragraph.) 

Billy. {Reads.) " Great excitement in Charleston, South Car- 
olina! The people of the South getiing ready for war! Eaising 
of the Palmetto flag on several of the public buildings! The 
American flag trailed in the dust! " 

NatlVl. What do you think of that, sonny? You may have a 
chance to show your warlike spirit in something besides words. 



10 OUn COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS. 

Billy. We'll fi.i>-ht " till from our bones the meat be hacked; " 
won't wo, Phony? 

Alplionse. Not if I know myself, and I think I do. I never 
fou.iiht but once, and then I got licked; and I darsn't try it 
again. 

Billy, Villain! wilt thou go back on me? Follow me, and do 
as I do. 

NatKl. Yes; follow you! If he did, the first thing would be 
to cut and run. 

Billy, " He who fights, and runs away, 

M;iy live to fight another day." 

I sny, Nat, don't you think I would make a good actor? 

NaiKl. I think if you paid more attention to business, and less 
to that infernal spouting, you Avould get along better in the 
world. Only day before yesterday Mr. Clifi'ord wanted to know 
if there was any one sick in the outer office, when yon were giv- 
ing Alplionse a taste of your extraordinary dramatic abilities. 

Billy. What a pity that two such intelligent persons as you 
and Ned should have such a fearful lack of appreciation. Phony 
is the only one in the office that has got any sort of taste for the 
fine arts. Never mind, I forgive you both. I dare say you never 
saw Foi'rest play " The Gladiator." 

Nath'l. Can't say that I ever did. 

Billy. That's what I thought. No wonder that you can't tell 
a good thing when you hear it. Now there's that place in the 
Gladiator where he says — ^'' Noiv hy Jove, U is!" but just wait 
a moment, and I will give it to you. 

Naih'l. Oh! for mercy sake, don't. 

Billy. Oh, it is no trouble at all. I know you are too bashful 
to ask me, so I will volunteer. 

Alplionse. That's right, Billy; go ahead. 

Billy. {Puts chair on fable.) Tliere, Phony, you get up there 
in the private box {pointing to stool). Nat, you set down there 
in the pit. Now, tlien, no applause ; let me see. {Starts from 
hack and comes down furiously. Nat holds his hands over his 
ears.) 

Billy. " Now, by Jove, it is ! These things do Romans ! But 
the earth is sick of conquerors. There is not a man, not Koman, 
but is Rome's extremest foe. And such am I! Sworn from 
that hour I saw those sights of horror, AVhile the Gods sup- 
port me. To Wreak on Rome such havoc as Rome wreaks — 
Carnage and devastation, woe and ruin! Why should I ransom, 
when I swear to slay ? Begone ! " — 

During the above, Edwaud and Makry appear, R. 

Harry. {Coming down.) Bravo! Billy. Bravo! (Alpiionse 
slides down off tke table, takes down chair, and writes furiously. 
Billy, confused, goes to table, as if looking after something) . 



OUR corxTRY's DE FE XDE n>;. 11 

Edivard. Well, what is all this? You seem to 1)0 haviim: a 
gooil time here all alone by youi-selves, at the tiim's expense; 
if yon wonld like to have me, I will aslc j\Ir. linniini;ton to lurn 
his ortice into a theatre, and procure yon some scenery. 

Billy. You needn't mind it. I can do just as well without it. 

NatWl. Better get him a strait-jacket, sir. 

{Exit Natii'l, n.) 

Ediiard. Perhaps that would be more appropriate under the 
circumstances. It's a pity you can't attend to business, except 
■when some one is watching you. You hud Ijetlei", both of you, 
go and tini?;h up your accounts, instead of fooling away your 
time in such a manner. 

Billy. Come, PJiou., let's go; our talents aint appreciated 
here. 

Alphonse. That's so ! (Exit Buajy and Viio:sY.) 

Barry. {Laughs.) Now, what's the use blowing thera up, Ned? 
You must remember William's weak propensities, and make 
some allowance for him. 

Edivard. I haye no objections to his amusing himself, but this 
is not the proper place, Harry. I enjoy his nonsense at tlie 
armory or anywhere else as well as an}' one, but I cannot permit 
it here. 

(Harry and EdWxUID seated, Edward writing a letter.) 

Harry. By the way, Ned, speaking of the armoiy, don't forget 
there's a special meeting to-night, and it's necessarj^ t^.xcvy mem- 
ber should be there. 

Edward. So there is! I had almost forgotten it. My time 
has been so taken up the past day or two, that I have had but 
little chance to think of military matters. 

Barry. No doul)t your time is verjMnuch taken up; it could 
not be otherwise for a man in your situation ; but come, haven't 
you got most thi'ough with that letter? We promised to meet 
Smitli at Parker's at four o'clock, and it wants twenty minutes 
of it now; and I have got a little errand to do for Maud, before 
I go there. 

Edward. Don't be impatient. There's plenty of time. Just 
a minute longer, Harry, and I will be through. 

Barry. Well, hurry up, then; I don't want to stop here all the 
afternoon. Why don't you shut up your office in decent season, 
same as we do down to the bank? 

(Edward ^nzs/ies letter, folding and sealing.) 

Edivard. There, I am all ready now. Just step down to the 
post-ofUce with me, until I leave this letter, and tiien we will 
keep our appointment witli Smith. 

Barry. Send Billy with the letter. What do you want to 
bother with it for? 

Edward. Because it's of great importance, and I waut to be 



12 OUR COUNTRY* S DEFENDERS. 

sure that It gets into the office all right, so as to go by the five 
o'clock mail. Coiue, it will not put us out of the way two min- 
utes. 
Harry. All right. Go ahead! (Exit 'EiDWAiny and Harry, r.) 

Scene II. — Armory of the Bay State Rifles. Rack of muskets 
at hack. Billy Bryant, Alphonse ajid members of the com- 
pany discovered. Nathaniel, as armorer^ cleaning musket. 

Billy. Shine 'em up, Nat! Put in all the elbow-grease you 
can ; I wouldn't wonder if we had to use them before long, if 
there is any truth in the latest reports from the South. 

Nath'l. Yes ; and you will find it somewhat different having to 
clean your own musket after using it, than having some one to 
do it for you. It's all very nice now% when you go out on pa- 
rade, to come in and find a clean musket; but when you have to 
keep it clean yourself, it's another thing. 

Alphonse. Do you suppose there will be a war, Nat; and if 
there is, do you suppose our company will go? 

NatKl. Can't say. Phony. I wouldn't be surprised if it finally 
came to war, and I would not wonder, in that case, if the boys 
received orders to go. 

Billy. Perhaps that is what the special meeting is called for; 
but then, war hasn't been declared yet, and they can't call us out 
un]i;ss they do declare it. 

NatKl. Very true ; but they can hold you in readiness for any 
emergency. 

Fritz. Veil, I can't go; I am very sorry, but I can't. 

Billy. Wliy, what is the matter with you, Dutchy ? 

Fritz. Soraeting the matter mit ray feet; the toe-nail grows 
in, or sometings. 

Billy. Something the matter with your feet? They are big 
enough to be healthy. One of your shoes would make a splen- 
did tiig-boat. If you only owned the ground your feet cover, 
you could set yourself up in the real estate business. 

Fritz. Oh, vat's the matter mit you? Don't make me so much 
foolishness, always speedling about dose feet. I can't help it 
what I got big feet. Aiut it, Swifty? 

Thomas Sicift. No, it aint your fault, Fritzy. Don't mind 
those fellows ; they don't say half what they mean. 

Fritz. Veil, I don't care soraeting much if I do wear number 
seventeen boots. I don't be spouting out all the time like Billy 
does, rait (Recites and imitates) "' Is dat a cheese knife when 
I see, — now I don't see it, and den I saw it," and all such stufi* 
like dat. 

Swift. There's a hit for you, Billy! 

Billy. How Swift you are to see it! Never mind, Fritzy, you 
are all right. If you had to hold Tom's body, you would want 
bigger feet than you have got now. (All laugh.) Well, Fritzy, 
we will call it square if you will give us a song. (Fritz sings 
Dutch song.) 



OUR couNrnr's defendees. 13 

Enier Capt. Gricgg, Ned and IIakky. 

Alphonse. Holloa, boys ! Here's the captain, with Ned and 
Harry. 

Ned a7id Harry shake hands iviih hoys. Captain goes to his desk 
and takes pajjers out of his pocket. Metnters talking, etc. Capt. 
Gregg, rapping: 

Capt. Gregg. You -will please come to order. In pursnance 
with orders from headquarters, I have caused a special meeting 
to be called here this eveniug. That j^ou may understand its ob- 
ject, I will read the order received. {Reads order.^ 

COiSniOXWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Headquarters, Boston, Jan. 16, 18G1. 
Gen. Order No. 4. — Events which have recently occurred 
and are now in progress, require that Massachusetts should be 
at all times ready to furnish her quota, upon any requisition of 
the President of the United States, to aid in the maintenance of 
the law^s, and peace of the Union. His Excellency, the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, therefore orders : 

That the commanding officer of each compan}^ of Volunteer 
Militia examine with care the roll of his company, and cause the 
name of each member, together with his rank and place of resi- 
dence, to be properly recorded, and a copy of the same to be 
forwarded to the office of the Adjutant General. 

Previous to which, commanders of companies shall make 
strict inquiry whether there are men in their command who, 
from age, physical defect, business, or family causes, may be in- 
disposed to respond at once to the orders of the ('ommander-in- 
Chief, made in response to a call of the President of the United 
States, that they may be forthwith discharged, so that their 
places may be filled with men ready for any public emergency 
which may arise, whenever called upon. 

Major-Geuerals Sutton, Morse and Andrew^s will cause this 
order to be promulgated throughout their respective divisions. 
By command of his Excellency, 

JOHN A. ANDREW, 
Governor and. Commander-in-Chief. 
WILLIAM SCMOULER, 

Adjutant Gen'l. 

From this order you will see that we are to ascertain how 
many of this company are willing to hold themselves in readi- 
ness at a call from the Commander-in-Chief, Men, it is useless 
for me to inform you of the present state of the country. We 
are no doubt on the verge of a civil w'ar; every report from the 
South shows us that it is inevitable; we must tliertfore look the 
matter squarely in the face, and let every man think well before 
giving his answer. The sacrifice you will be called upon to 



14 OUE country's defenders. 

make will be a great one. Home, friends, and everything dear 
to you must be left behind, for the hardships and privations of 
the camp and field. I feel confident, however, that I can return 
to the Commander-in-Chief a unanimous vote of this company to 
respond at any time to his call in the defence of the country. 
I should like to hear the opinion of every member on this im- 
portant subject. (Capt. Geegg sits.') 

Ed%vard. Mr. Commander. 

Capt. G. Sergeant Clifford. 

Edivard. In my opinion, sir, the time has arrived when we 
should know whether we live under a constitutional govern- 
ment or not, and since our country is threatened, it is high time 
we should know who are its friends and who its enemies. It 
seems to me, with all due deference to the various public opin- 
ions that have been expressed, that our minds should be fully 
made up to the great occasion that now awaits us. I fully agree 
with you, sir, that the war is inevitable, and that it becomes us 
to give this matter our serious consideration. Our first duty is 
to our country ; and though it may be hard to part with those 
near and dear to us at home, yet that duty must be fulfilled. 
I for one, sir, am ready and willing to place my name upon the 
roll. 

Harry. Mr. Commander. 

Capt. G. Orderly Sergeant Huntington. 

Harry. I fully endorse the sentiments so ably expressed by 
Sergeant Clifibrd, and also stand ready to sign the roll. 

Nath'l. Mr. Commander. 

Capt. G. Private Poster. 

Natli'l. lam much pleased to hear the opinions expressed by 
those preceding me. I have watched with great interest the ac- 
tions of the South, and cannot but feel that it must come to war. 
I am sorry for it, but yet stand read}'^ to-day, as I stood fifteen 
years ago, to support my country and my flag. I know full well 
the hardships and privations of a soldier's life; it is' no boy's 
play. I have been through the Mexican war, and speak from 
experience. I am not an old man, though I am fifty years of 
age; and there is still life enough in me to fight for the old flag, 
and I should consider it a great honor if I might be allowed to 
place my name first on the roll. (Sits.) 

(Applause by the Company.) 

Billy. Mr. Commander, 

Capt. G. Corporal Bryant. 

Billy. I, too, am ready to sign. 

Alplionse. And I, too, sir. 

Fritz. I goes me mit dem oder fellers. 

Capt. G. I am glad you have expressed your opinions so freely 
and so nobl3\ Those of you who are now willing will step to 
the Orderly's desk, and sign your names. (All come forward. 
Okdkki.y Huntington hands the pen to Nathaniel.) 

Billy. Three cheers for the Bay State Rifles! (Cheers given.) 



OUR country's DKFES'DERS. 15 

TABLEAU. 

Goddess of Liberty, u'iih roll and fag. 
MUSIC. 

Viva la America. 



Scene III. — Street scene. Enter Mr. Lockwood, r., smoking 

cigar. 

Neivshoy. {Outside.) 'Ere's your Herald, Transcript, Jourual 
— last edition — latest news from the South! {Enter.) Have 
a paper, sir? 

Lock. Give me a Journal. {Buys a paper.) 

Newshoy. {Going out.) 'Ere's your Herald. Last edition. 
Demand of the surrender of Fort Sumter by Governor Pickens 
of South Carolina, {Exit Newsboy, r.) 

Lock. {Reads.) "Col. Hayne, of So. Carolina, as agent for 
Governor Pickens, reached Washington on the 12th, demanding 
tlie surrender of Fort Sumter, as essential to a good under- 
standing between the two nations of South Carolina and the 
United States." So far so good. Matters appear to be coming 
to a crisis in the old Palmetto State. I must hurry up matters 
here, and get home again in time to be on hand for the first 
blow. My worthy friends here would not perhaps treat me as 
well if they knew I was colonel of a So. Carolina regiment of 
militia, and one of the prime movers in this rebellion; but even 
tliat might not affect them so much as the fact of my having 
shipped five thousand arms to the South. That was a good 
trick of mine, buying arms as agent for a Western State, and 
then running them to Charleston. It is very unfortunate for 
me that I was obliged to come here just now, but it had to be 
done. The old plantation is heavily mortgaged and pretty well 
run out; money must be had, especially at the present time-, 
but how to get it — that is the question. Fortune deserted me 
at the gaming table, and I determined to try another scheme. 
Knowing that the old man Huntington was very favorably im- 
pressed with me, I resolved to visit him, get into the good 
graces of his daughter, marry her if possible, and in that way 
retrieve my lost fortune; but I find an unexpected barrier to 
my determinations in the person of this Clifford, to whom it 
seems Maud is engaged. But for all that, I shall not give it up 
tamely, and if it is possible to injure that young chap in the old 
man's estimation, why, I am just the one to do it. 

{Exit J jQCKWOODy L.) 

Enter Bryant, Alphonse, Fritz and Swift, l. 

Alphonse. Well, we had an exciting meeting to-liight, eh, 
boys? And the best of it is, all the fellows that were there 



16 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, 

signed the roll, and I guess the rest of the company will sign, 
too. At least, the captain saj^s so. 

Billy. I say, Phon, if our company goes, it will be rough on 
the old man. There will be Ned, Nat, you and I go out of the 
office. He had better shut up shop and go with us. Did you see 
Fritz's hand tremble, fellows, when he signed the roll? You are 
a dead Dutchman, sure, Fritz. 

Fritz. (Noisy.) Who trembles my hand? Vat are you talk- 
ing about? Aint you so funny, always picking on me? I pet 
you ilve hundred tollars my name is so much better written like 
yours. 

Enter Policeman. Watches them. 

Swift. That's so, Fritzy. I saw Billy when he signed, and he 
left a big blot after his name, his hand shook so. {Loud laughter.') 

Fritz'. How's dat, Mr. Billy? 

Police. Here, move on ; you are making too much noise, 

Billy. So am I. 

Police. Well, now, I don't want any of your back talk. So jog 
along. 

Fritz. (Goes vp jfo Policeman.) Say, Mr. Watch-house, vat's 
the matter mit you? Who owns this place? Aint I 

Police. Now, look here, if you don't move on, I will put you 
all in>the lock-up. 

Alphonse. Come on, Fritzy; let's go home. 

All start out, Swift walking slowly. Policeman comes up 
behind him; gives him a push. 

Police. Come, get along there. Fatty ; if you don't I'll help you. 
Swift. I know; but what's the rush? 

(Fxtt Swift and Policeman.) 



ScicNE IV. — Parlor in Huntington's house. — Maud and Mr, 
LOCKWOOD discovered seated at table. 

Lock. Your father informs me that you intend crossing the 
Athmtic tjiis spring. 

Maud. That was our intf ntion, but papa says vv^e may be obli- 
ged to postpone it on accountof the present state of the country. 
I am very sorry, for I had anticipated so much pleasure. Do 
you candidly believe that these ditlicultics cannot be settled, ex- 
cept by war? You are from the South, and ought to know the 
feelings of the people there. 

Loch. Tru'', Miss Maud, I ought, and I think I do know some- 
thing of tlie sentiments of the Southern people. They are ter- 
riblv ill earnest, and unless the United States Government ac- 
cedes to them the rights they demand, I fear civil war will be 
the result. 



OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, 17 

Maud. And should it fnuilly come to war, I suppose you will 
<j:ive your services to your country, even thouuli your home is in 
tlie South, for papa says you were a cadet at West Point, with 
brother Charles, and formerly held a commission as First Lieu- 
tenant in the regular army. 

Lock. I assure yon, Miss Maud, I have not yet made my decis- 
ion. (Aside.) There's a fearful lie. I have tried to keep out of 
it as long as possible, for it is a hard matter to decide. I owe a 
debt of gratitude to my country for the many favors I have re- 
ceived from her; but I also owe to my native State loyalty and 
allegiance, and when the time comes, I hope to be found upon 
the right side. But let us change the subject for one more pleas- 
ant. 

Maud. I agree with you, Mr. Lockwood, that the subject is an 
unpleasant one ; but nevertheless we must look at it in its proper 
light, (Edwakd apijears at door, c) My grandfather was a sol- 
dier in the revolution, and helped to make this country a free 
and Independent Republic. He gave his life freely for her 
sake, and I have ever been taught that ray first duty was to my 
country. I can hardly imagine there are people in this bright 
and happy land so misguided and narrow-minded as to wish to 
destro\^ it, and I earnestly hope that he whose hand is raised 
against his country's flag, may meet with a just and speedy pun- 
ishment. 

Edward. {Coming doivn c.) Nobly spoken, Maud, like a true 
American woman. Who can doubt the success of our cause 
when our women show such earnest devotion? 

Loch. My young friend, have you looked at both sides of the 
question? The women of the South are equally as devoted to 
their cause as your Northern women, and are fully as eager to 
take part in this great work. 

Edward. I care not took at both sides, sir: it is enough for me 
to know that my country is threatened and in great danger. 
There is but one side to me, and that is for the right. It is use- 
less to argue the question, for I see but one course to pursue, and 
I have already expressed my Avillingness to sacrifice everything 
in mv country's defence. 

3Iaud. Why, Edward, has it come to that? Is there no hope 
that a peaceful settlement can be made without resorting to 
bloodshed. 

Edward. I am afraid not. Already the first step has been 
taken, and orders have been received from the Commander-in- 
Chief for the militia of the State to hold themselves in readiness 
for a moment's notice, for any emergency. The Bay State 
Rifles have volunteered unanimously, and Harry and I have 
signed the roll. 

Maud. Edward, it will be hard to part with you: bnt I 
would not bid you stay when your country calls. And though it 
will make ray heart ache, and cause me many bitter tears, yet 
will I wish you God-speed. 



18 OUR country's defenders. 

Enter James, c. 

James. (^Handing letter to Edward.) Here's a letter, Mr. 
Bryant brought for yon, sir. He said it came to the office after 
your departure, and he thought it might be of importance, so he 
came here with it. Miss Maud, your father would like to see 
you in the drawing-room. {Exit Servant, c.) 

Maud. I will be back directly. (Exit Maud, c.) 

(Edward opens letter and reads it. As he reads, shows signs, 
of surprise and emotion. Puts it in his pocket and 
it drops on the floor.) 

Edward. Please excuse me to Miss Maud, as this note de- 
mauds my immediate attention. I will be back in half an hour. 

{Exit Edward, c.) 

LocTc. {Rising. Picks up letter.) I wonder what correspon- 
dence Mr. Edward has to atfect him so. (Looks oJ letter.) And 
a lady's handwriting, too. I suppose I ought to hand it back to 
him, but I think I will take a peep at it Urst. Perhaps it may be 
Interesting. {Opens letter and reads aloud.) 

My Dear Sir : I am very sorry to trouble you, but can you 
not come to the house immediately. I am sure you will excuse 
me fftr presuming to ask your assistance, but I am in great dis- 
tress. My darling little Minnie died this morning, of scarlet 
fever, and I have no earthly friend to call upon but you — you 
who saved me from starvation and placed me in this comfortable 
home, and gave me means to earn my daily bread. I am 
stricken down with sorrow and despair, and know not which 
way to turn. May Heaven in its infinite mercy bring comfort to 
my burdened soul. 

Your afflicted friend, 

Lucy Clifton. 

So, so; Lucy Clifton. I suppose that is the woman I met 
with young Clifford on the evening I attended the opera. Well, 

there's nothing in that letter that interests me, so I Stop ! 

Clifton, Clifford; yes, but there is something that interests me. 
Fortune has thrown this into my hands as an instrument to 
assist me in my schemes, and i will make good use of it, too. 
I'll change the letter so as to make it appear that this woman is 
Clifford's wife. I flatter myself I can imitate a lady's hand- 
writing to perfection, and it would not be the first time 1 had 
forged somebody's name. It's a damnable deed, with such a 
subject as that letter contains, and a desperate game to play; 
but never mind, I have everything at stake, and something must 
be done. I will forge a letter, show it to Maud and her father, 
and then see if their worthy young friend can clear iiimself. 
{Sits down ; takes pajper from table; hesitates ; then takes p)aper 
from his pocket.) TJiere, I guess that will do. They can't catch 
me that way. Some one comes. {Puts original letter in his 
-pocket ; folds up forged one, and puts it in the original envelope. 
(Joes to another table and reads.) 



OUR country's defenders. 19 

Enter Mr. Huntixgtox, Maud and Harry, c. 

Mavd. Why, wliere's Edward? 

Lock. He wished me to excuse him, as he had some important 
business to atteud to in regard to a letter he had just received. 
He will be back in half an hour. 

(Mauj) and Harry retire hack.) 

Lock. (Coming down.) Mr. Huntington, a word with you. 
Have you spoken with Mr. Cliflbrd on that subject we were 
talking of? I mean in regard to my meeting him with that 
woman. 

Hunt. No. I have not yet had an opportunity; but I in- 
tended doing so this very evening. 

Lock. You will remember at that time I doubted the young 
man's worthiness. There is still farther proof that I was not 
mistaken. Read this. {Handing Mm letter.) 

Hunt. Why, what is this?, A letter directed to Edward. How 
came you by it? 

Lock. Mr. Clifford, in his excitement, dropped it on the floor. 
I took the liberty to read it, and I feel that its contents will 
justify me in so doing. 

(Harry and Maud come doion.) 

(Huntington reads letter aloud.) 

My Dear Ned: Come to me immediately. I am in great 
distress. Our darling little Minnie has passed away. She died 
this morning of scarlet fever, raving and calling for her papa. 
I am stricken dowu with sorrow and despair, and know not 
which way to turn. If you love me, come to me at once. 

Your heart-broken wife, 

Lucy. 

Hunt. (Eepeais.) Your heart-broken wife, Lucy. Great 
heavens ! What does this mean? 

3Iand. Edward married ! It cannot be. (Sinks into a chair.) 

Harry. Married! Humbug; it is a lie on the face of it. 

Hunt. How do you know it's false? Explain this letter, then. 
It is plain enough to me that Edward has basely betrayed our 
contidence. 

Maud. (Going over to her father.) Oh, father, you do not 
believe that Edward is so base. It seems to me like a fearful 
dream. 

Hunt. Maud, he is no longer worthy of our regard or esteem. 
Henceforth with us he must be considered as a perfect stranger. 

Enter Edward, c. 

Edward. I hope you will excuse me, Maud, for ray abrupt 

departure; but (Looking round at thera.) Why, what has 

happened? Why do you all look at me so strangely? And 
Maud in tears. (ISteps toivards her.) 



20 OUR country's defenders. 

Hunt. Stop; how dare you intrude yourself into the presence 
of my daughter! You are a vile, contemptible scoundrel, and it 
is useless for you to attempt to carry out your base designs any 
farther. You are not fit to associate with respectable people. 
You are 

Edward. {Thunderstruck.) Hold, Mr. Hontington ! What 
does this mean? What have I done that you should overwhelm 
me with such a tirade of abuse? 

Hunt. What have you done? Edward, I did not give you 
credit for so much hypocrisy. I wonder that you can look 
honest people squarely in the face. 

Edward. Before heaven I know nof what you mean. 

Hunt. Do you recognise this letter, sir? (Edward takes 
letter; looks at envelope.) 

Edward. I do ; it's mine. I must have dropped it. 

Hunt. Very unfortunate for you. Are its contents true? 

Edward. They are, sir; but I know of nothing in them to 
justify you in using such abusive language to me. 

Hunt. {Sternly.) You know of nothing in that letter that 
should justify me in addressing you as I have! Why have you 
left your wife alone in her great distress, to come here to 
practise your vile deceits ? 

(Music — Pianissimo — to end of scene.) 

Edward. {Reading letter.) Wife! Child! Why, sir, this 
letter is not mine. I received nothing like that. 

Hunt. How ridiculous. A moment ago you acknowledged it 
was yours. Do you not know that woman? 

Edward. I do, sir; but she is not my wife; she is a poor 
woman whom I have befriended, and 

Hunt. Stop, sir; do not add falsehood to your other sins. 
This letter was received by you not an hour ago, according to 
your own statement. It is unnecessary to have any further 
controversy on this subject. The letter explains itself. You 
will understand, sir, that all relations between you and my 
family are at an end. I bear you no ill-will, but from this time 
forward we are strangers. 

(Maud starts to go to Edward; her father piits her lack.) 

Edward. Maud, you do not believe this of me. Surely you 
cannot think me such a hypocrite. 

Maud. Edward, how could you so cruelly deceive us? 

Edward. You, too, doubt me. Is there no one that will be- 
lieve me? 

Harry. Yes, Ned, I believe you. There's some fearful mis- 
take here, which in time must be cleared away. 

Lock. {Aside.) Yes; but it will be too late. 

Edward. {Clasping Uauhy's hand.) I thank you, Harry, for 
your confidence. In time this mystery will clear away. {To 
Huntington.) I still persist in saying that that letter is not the 



OUR country's defenders. 21 

one I received. AVliere it came from I kuow not. Would you 
but licjir the truth, could you know the relationship between 
that woman and myself, you would bless me rather than spurn 
me from your door. The time will come, however (vile, con- 
temptible scoundrel, though you call me), when it will be as 
freely opened to me as it was in former years. 

Tableau. Music — " Out in the Cold World,'' 

Curtain. 



22 OUR country's defenders. 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — Same as Scene VI, Act I.— Maud and Mr. Huntington 

discovered. 

Hunt. Corae, cheer up darlini^; do not look so sad. 

Maud. Oh, father, the world seems like a dreary waste to me, 
from which everything bright and beautiful has vanished. Even 
life itself is a burden, and I long to be at rest. 

Hunt. Do not say so, my child. You have something to live 
for, even though he whom you have trusted and loved has 
proved false, 

Maud. True, father. Forgive me for speaking so ; but I feel 
very sad to-day. Nearly three months have passed away since 
Edward left us, and during that time we have heard nothing of 
him; even Harry does not l^now of his whereabouts. When I 
look back into the past and think of the many happy hours we 
have spent together, of his frank and noble nature, his genial 
smile and pleasant word for all, it seems impossible that he 
should be such a heartless villain. I cannot realize it. 

Hunt. Tliiuk no more of him; he is unworthy of so much 
feeling. Try and forget him. 

Maud. Forget him. Ah! father, you know not what you say. 
You may as well ask me to blot from my memory the remem- 
brance of my dear, dead mother, as to forget Edward; besides, 
something tells me he will one day be able to prove his inno- 
cence, and that even as he said on leaving us, the time will come 
when our doors will be as freely opened to him as they were 
in former years. 

Hunt. Let that be as it may; there are other things I wish to 
say to you. Mr. Lockwood has asked the privilege of making 
you an offer of marriage. I granted this privilege, but told him 
I should in no way influence you. I believe Mr. Lockwood to 
be a worthy and honorable young man, and I think in case you 
should decide in his favor, he will be to you all that a lover or a 
husband should be. 

Maud. Oh I father. How can you bring such matters before 
me now, when my heart seems too full for utterance. Do you 
think I can so soon forget Edward as to receive the advances of 
another. If you have given Mr. Lockwood the right to speak to 
me on this subject, I will receive him, but I tell you beforehand 
he will get but little encouragement. 

Hunt. He is coming now, liemember, in no respect are you 
to do other than your own judgment tells you. You are unstress 
of your own heart, and in no way do I presume to dictate ; but I 
believe it to be for your good to at least give him some hope. 

{Exit Huntington, c.) 
(Maud goes to table and sits.) 



OUR country's defenders. 23 

Enter Mr. Lockwood, c. 

Lode. Good evening, Miss Maud. 

Maud. Good evening, Mr. Lockwood. 

Lock. I wisli to speuk to you, Miss Huntington, on a matter of 
great importance to me. Your father lias, no doubt, informed 
you \Yliat it is. I hope I am not too presumptuous in otl'ering 
you n)y love at this time. I assure you I respect the lingering 
aflection you must istill have for JNIr. Clitlbrd, and deeply sympa- 
thize Avith you in your great trouble. I do not ask you to accept 
my ofler unhesitatingly and without reflection. I onl}^ ask that 
you will give me Jiope. Can you not give me the assurance that 
at some future time you will look with favor upon me. 

Maud. JNlr. Lockwood, since you have seen fit to ask me this 
question, 1 will answer it in the same spirit of frankness that it 
was asked. As a friend of my father's, and as liis guest, I honor 
and respect you, but other than a friend you can never be to me. 

Jjock. Ah! Miss Maud, surely this cannot be your final de- 
cision. You Avill not so cruelly cast aside the great love I bear 
you. Since I first met you J have loved you, and that love lias 
grown so intense that I cannot live without you. 

Maud. You forget, Mr. Lockw'ood, that you are comparatively 
a stranger to me. It is barely three months since you first made 
my acquaintance, and in that short time yon could hardly be able 
to form a favorable- opinion of me, much less have learned to 
love me. 

Lock. You are mistaken there. My opinion was formed of 
you ere I had been in your presence two hours, and it is need- 
less for me to state that it was a favorable one. Will you not 
give me some encouragement, be it ever so slight, that I may 
not be doomed to utter disappointment. Only tell me that I am 
not distasteful to you, and that you do not look coldly upon m}'- 
suit, and I will wait patiently until such time as you may choose 
to give me a decided answer. 

Maud. I need no time, sir, to give you my decided and final 
answer. I shall be most happy at all times to call 3^ou my 
friend, and as such you will always be welcome here, but my 
love was given to another years ago, and strange as it ma}' per- 
haps appear to you, I still cling to the first love; but even were 
I free to accept the ofler you have been pleased to make me, 
there is another reason why I would reject it. I would never 
give my hand to any man who, in tiie hour of his country's peril, 
could for a moment hesitate as to what course to pursue. 

Lock. Were I to pledge you my w^ord that in "case of w^ar I 
would not take up arms against the government, w^ould you then 
give me any encouragement? 

Ma%id, It is your duty, sir, to be readj^ at any time to defend 
your country from danger, lor her sake alone; and I should very 
much doubt the strength of your loyalty, if it depended upon my 
answer, as to which side you should take in the coming contest. 
I beg of you, Mr. Lockwood, do not refer to the subject again. 



24 OUR country's defenders. 

Charles. {Outside.) You needn't mind about ushering me in; I 
guess I can And the way. 

3Iaud. As I live, there's brother Charles ! 

Lock. {Aside.) Charles Huntington here ! What ill luck brings 
him home at this time? {Retires up.) 

Enter Charles and Mr. Huntington, c. Maud runs to meet 

Charles. 

Maud. Why, my dear brother, where did you come from? I 
am delighted to see you! You must be very tired and hungry, 
Charles. I will go and see to getting you some refreshments, 
and preparing your room. {Exit Maud, c.) 

Charles. I have just arrived from Charleston, South Carolina. 

Hunt. Just arrived from Charleston ? Why, the last we heard 
from you was in Alabama. 

Charles. I was in Montgomery until the formation of the Con- 
federate Government, but after that I left for Charleston, as it 
was getting rather uncomfortable for a loyal man in that section 
of the country. I found it but little better in Charleston, and 
barely escaped from there with my life. Business is entirely sus- 
pended at the South. The entire people are up in arms, and 
everything has a martial appearance. Already the forts around 
Sumter are making preparations to shell it, and it will be only 
a matter of two or three days before the first shot will be fired, 
unless our government surrenders the fort. 

" Hunt. Then there is no hope for a peaceful settlement of these 
difficulties, for the government would not listen to any proposal 
of surrender to a band of armed men, whose object is to rend 
asunder the bonds of union, and form a new government on the 
basis of State rights. There is no doubt but what this rebellion 
will be speedily suppressed, and the instigators of it meet with 
a just punishment. {Looking towards Mr. Lockwood.) Excuse 
me, Mr. Lockwood, I had quite forgotten you were here. 
Charles, this is an old friend of yours, — a classmate at West 
Point. 

L^ock. { Coldly.) I am happy to meet Mr. Charles Huntington. 

Charles. {Surprised.) Guy Lockwood ! I wish I could return 
the compliment! Father, I was not aware you were acquainted 
with Mr. Lockwood. 

Hunt. Oh, yes, I have had dealings with liim in business for 
the past seven years. He is my largest consignor of cotton in 
the South, and is just now making us a visit, partly for business, 
and partly for pleasure. 

Charles. Humph ! His business must be of a very urgent na- 
ture, that keeps him away from his friends when his services are 
needed so much ; or else he is enjoying himself here among the 
mudsills so well that he cannot tear himself away. 

Lock. I don't understand the meaning of your language, sir. 
Do you intend to insult me? 

Charles. You don't understand me ? Well, I propose to make 



OUR country's defenders. 25 

myself niuierstood, perfectly, not only to yon, but to my father. 
I iuive just come from Charleston, where I metwilh a very warm 
reception. I was oblii^ed to leave there very suddenly, on ac- 
count of my principles not bein«j: exactly in accordance with 
those of the fire-eaters there; but I remaiued long enough to 
find out a few things not very favorable to your character. The 
very day I reached there, the city was jubilant over the arrival 
of a large quantity of arms, that liad been smuggled from the 
Nortli. These arms, they said, had been purchased by one Guy 
Lockvvood, Colonel of the 15th South Carolina Kegiment, and 
one of tlu! leaders in this rebellion, who had been commissioned 
by the Confederate State?*' Government to procure them, and 
who, 1 heard, was still in the North. Is it clear to you novf, or 
do you wish me to go into further details? The best thing you 
can do, is to hurry back to the South before it is too late; for if 
I but give the information I have concerning you to the proper 
authorities, you may be obliged to stop here rather longer than 
you intended. 

Hunt. I am astonished at your w^ords, Charles. Mr. Lock- 
wood, is this true what my son has just told us? 

Lock. It must be true if he says so. He, of course, must know 
all about it; and were I to deny it you would not believe me. 

Charles. You are right, they would not; for I can bring proof 
of what I have said, if necessary. Your little game is blocked 
here, and I don't intend to have you impose upon mj father any 
longer. 

Lock. {Speaks to Mr. Huntington.) I am surprised that you 
permit this insult to pass unnoticed, even though it comes from 
your son. I consider it beneath me to make any reply to his 
well-fashioned story, but shall take the first opportunity to make 
him answer for it. I am deeply indebted to 3' on, sir, for your 
kindness to me in making my visit here so pleasant, and to Miss 
Maud for her agreeable company. I am very sorr}^ that the sud- 
den appearance of this boisterous fellow will compel me to 
shorten my stay, but under the circumstances I can remain here 
no longer. I think, after all, I will act upon his suggestion, and 
return to the Sout:.. 

Hunt. You do not mean to say tliat you intend to take part 
with the Southern Confederacy in this struggle? 

Lock. That is just my intention, sir. I may as well own up to 
it at once, for I am not ashamed of it. I have given my whole 
heart and soul to the cause of the South, and will do everything 
in my power to aid and assist her. You will find to your sorrow, 
gentlemen, that this will be a long and bloody war, in which the 
South must be victorious. {To Charles.) If, during the strug- 
gle, the fortunes of war permit us to meet again, be it upon the 
battle-field or elsewhere, rest assured I shall spare no pains to 
remind you of this insult. I wish you a very good-morning. 

Tableau of Chaj^acters. Scene Closes. 



26 ouM country's defenders. 

« 

Scene II. — Street scene. — Ringing of hells ajid firing of guns, 
as if in the distance. — 3Ien hurrying to and fro. — Enter Al- 
PHONSE and. Billy Bryant, r.j talking excited2y, and go oxross 
stage. 

Fritz. (Enters on R.) Say, Biliy, what makes all the noise 
for, ain't it? Vat's the trouble mit dose bells? Where is the fire? 
Bryant. Fire! What are you talking about, Dutchy? Aint 
you heard the news? 

Fritz. What news? 

Bri/ant. Why, Fort Sumter has gone up. The war has begun, 
and the President has called for seventy-five thousand men- We 
are just going down to the armory now. 

Fritz. So help me gracious, is dat so? You don't told me ! 

Alphonse. Come along with us. Our company has orders to 
report to-morrow morning, and we are going down now to see 
the boys, and find out all the particulars. Your name is on the 
roll, and of course you will go with the company. 

Fritz. Of course I goes. You can count on me, every time. 
Aint dat so, Billy? 

Bryant. I suppose it is, Fritz. You are fearfully brave, espec- 
ially where there is a charge to be made on pretzels and lager, 

Enter^y^WTj r., running, very much out of breath. 

Swift. 1 say, fellers, why didn't you stop for me when I hal- 
loed to you? I have been trying to catch up with you for the 
last ten minutes. Where are you going? Down to the armory? 

Alphonse. Yes; aint you? 

Swift. Yes; but what's your hurry? You fellers go as if you 
were sent for. Let's take it easy. 

Bryant. Take it easy ! This is a pretty time to talk about tak- 
ing it easy! Where's your patriotism? Didn't you hear the 
guns firing and the bells ringing? 

Fritz. Yes. Don't you hear the bells firing, and guns ring- 
ing? 

Swift. Well, let 'em ring. No use running your legs off, is it? 

Bryant. Swift thou art in name, but slow' in nature. Come 
on, fellows ! 

Fritz. You go me first, we all follow after. 

(All exit, noise ceases.^ 

Enter Charles and Harry, r., conversing. 

Charles. And you say you have seen nothing of him since tliafc 
time, and have been unable to find out where he is? 

Harry. 1 have neither seen him, nor heard anything from him 
since that night. After we left the house, we walked down towo 
together. Fdward seemed very much affected, but did not wish 
to*converse on the subject, although he thought father had done 
liim a great injustice in not giving him a chance to vindicate 



OUR COUNTIij^'S DEFENDERS. 27 

himself. I reassured liim of my confidence, and then left him, 
expectina: to see him the next day; i)ut I have searciied the city 
over, been in every place he Avould be likely to be in, but to no 
purpose. I endeavored to find out where this woman lived, but 
was unsuccessful. I tliink he must have left the cit3^ 

Charles. Very strange. I wish it were possible to find him, 
for I think he could make matters clear, at least to us. 

Harry. I am sure he could. Let's take a walk down to the 
armory. We are ordered off to-morrow, and no doubt some of 
the boys are there now. {Start out.) 

Enter Edward. 

Harry. Ned Clifford ! Where on earth did you drop from, and 
where have you been all this time. Charles and I were just 
talking about you. 

Edward. (Shakes hands avith Hakry.) I am glad to see you, 
Harry. Charles, this is, indeed, a pleasure ; it is a long time since 
I saw you last. 

Harry. Now explain yourself. Where have you been for the 
past three months? 

Edward. After leaving you that night, I went to the hotel. I 
had no definite idea of what I should do, bnt my mind was fully 
made up to leave the city the next morning. I took the train for 
New York, where I remained until the President's call for troops. 
I then started for Boston again, knowing that our company would 
be ordered ofl°. 

Charles. Edward, I have heard the whole story of 3'our ti'oubles, 
anc> I agree with Harry that you are entirely innocent of the 
charges brought against you. 

Edicard. Thank you, Charles, you give me courage b}'' your 
kind words. Heaven only knows how I have suflered from this 
injustice! Had your fjither but been willing to listen to me, I 
could have easily convinced him there was no truth in the mat- 
ter, but as he saw fit to condemn me without giving me a chance 
to vindicate myself, I must abide the issue and await patiently 
until such time as he himself shall find me innocent. Oh! had 
Maud but believed in me, as you have done, I could have borne 
Uiy burden without a murmur. I could have even forgiven your 
father for his rude treatment of me, knowing that I still possessed 
her love. 

Harry. Cheer up, Ned. I am half inclined to believe that 
Maud does not think as ill of you as you iinagim.'. But why 
don't you get this woman, bring her to our house, and prove to 
them your innocence? 

Edward. I could do so, but I prefer to have them lind it out 
themselves. 1 have a request to make of you, Harry ; before you 
go, I wish to speak to your father on this subject. Will you ob- 
tain nie an interview ? 

Harry. I will, Ned, and do anything in my power to assist 
you. 



28 OUR country's pEFENDEBS. 

CliarJes. And so will I. 

Harry. Won't you walk down to the armory with us, Ned ? We 
were just on our way there when we met you. 

Edward. I shall be happy to accompany you. 

Charles. Do, Ned, and on the way give us further particulars 
in regard to this matter. 

{Exeunt, L.) 

Scene III. — Friends congregated on the streets to witness the de- 
parture of the troops. (Maud, Mr. Huntington, Ciiaeles, Mrs. 
De Feystek, Policeman, Newsboy, and others.) 

Hunt. Do the boys seem to be in good spirits, Charles? 

Charles. They do, sir. I came from the armory not half an hour 
ago, and they are wild with excitement. Ned Clifford arrived 
from New York yesterday, and tlie warm reception he received 
must be particularly gratifying to him under the present circum- 
stances. 

Maud. {3Iuch agitated.) Will he be here with the company? 

Charles. He will, and I think it your duty to at least bid him 
good-bye. 

Hunt. Most assuredly we will. If a cheering word from us 
will do him any good, we will not withhold it. 

(Cheers and drums at a distance.) 

Enter Troops headed by Capt. Gregg, l. c. 

Copt. Gregg. Halt ! Front ! Order Arras ! Rest ! 

(Alphonse and Bryant come down.) 

Alphonse. Here we are, mother, all ready to go. 

3Irs. De Peyster. Alphonse, my darling boy, may Heaven bless 
you and keep you from all harm. "lis hard to say good-bye. but 
I will not discourage you. I will try and be cheerful and wish 
you a safe return to me. (Captain Gregg comes down.) 

Alphonse. Mother, this is Captain Gregg. 

Capt. Gregg. I am happy to meet you, madam 

Mrs. De Peyster. Captain, I give my boy into your charge. 
Take good care of him and keep him from all evil, for he is my 
only son. Alpiionse, take this Bible; read it my boy, for it will 
bring you comfort in your hours of trial. {Puts ring on his 
finger.) I give you this ring as a talisman. Whenever you are 
tempted to do wrong, look at it, and remember mother put it on 
your finger. 

CorpH. Bryant. We will take good care of him, Mrs. De Pey- 
ster; don't give yourself any uneasiness on tbat score. {Retire 
and talk dum,h-show.) (Harry comes doivn.) 

Harry. Leather, Ned wishes to speak a few words with you and 
Maud ; will you not grant him this privilege, for my sake? 

Hunt. Certainly, Harry, we will give him our best wishes. 
(Harry goes back, brings down Edward, and then goes to> 
Charles.) 



OUR country's defenders. 29 

Edward. Mr. Ilmitiiii^ton, notwithstnnclinn' your havins: forbid- 
den me to spenk to you or Maiul a,£>-ain, I desire to say a few words 
before my depanure. Will you do me tlie favor ito call at this 
address {handing him card)? You may, perliaps, obtain such iu- 
forination as will convince you, as I liave not been able to do, 
that you have done me a great wroni;-. 

Hunt, t will do as you request, Edward, and if I have wron^jed 
you. be assured I shall not rest easy until I have made amends for 
my conduct. You deserve my thanks, for so nobly responding- to 
your country's call, and for that reason, if no other, I wish you 
God speed. (Gives his hand.) (Mil. PIuntington retires to 
Charles and Harry.) 

Edward. TNIaud, in a few moments I must leave you, perhaps 
never to return. When I placed my name upon the roll, 
three months ago, to hold myself in readiness for any emergency, 
I little thought our parting would be like this. I had looked for- 
ward to this hour with the feeling that I should be cheered on my 
way with your love and blessing. I have no father or mother, 
brother or sister, to say good-bye, and wish me a safe return, but 
I could have forgotten that, had your love been spared to me. 
Have you not a cheering word for me before I go? It would re- 
pay me somewhat for the sufferings of the past three months. 

Maud. Heaven knows you wrong me, dear Edward, if you 
think I do not love yon. I, too, have suffered since oar parting. 
Your assurance that yon were innocent of this dreadful charge 
has found a place in my heart, and I cannot let you go away wiUi 
one single feeling of doubt that my love for you is not as deep 
as ever. Though you have no father or mother, sister or broth- 
er to cheer you on your way, yet my love shall supply their 
places. May the kind Father guard and protect you, and keep 
you from all harm. (Drums beat.) 

CapJ. Gregg. Fall in ! 

{Friends lid the soldiers good-hye. and the lays talce theirplaces i7i 
the ranlcs. Captain gives orders : Attention, Corapa.ny ! Shoulder 
arms ! Right face ! Forward, march ! Troops march around 
stage, and exit r. b. Friends retire hack, cheering and u-aving 
handkerchiefs. Exeunt allhut x)oiiceman and newsboy. As the 
policeman is going out, ii., newsboy pulls his coat-tails. Police- 
man turns to chase newsboy out, l., and runs into Fritz, who 
enters l., out'of hreath, with gun in one hand, and large Bologna 
sausage in the other. ) 

Fritz. {Hitting policeman on head ivith Bologna.) Gone away, 
old useless! If you don't I'll shoot myself. 

Police. If you calculate to go away wilii Captain Gregg's com- 
pany, you had better be going, without aiij' more chat. 

Fritz. Mind my own business. {Takes a huge bite from the 
sausage, and exits R.) 

Enter Swift, l., slowly. 

Swift. Say, have the soldiers gone? 



30 OUR country's defenders. 

Police. Yes, lightning; and have got into battle by this time. 

Swift goes out n., slowly, speaking as he goes. 
S%vift. Well, then, I will JiuiTy up and caich 'em. 
Police. Do. You will probably overtake them by the time the 
war ends. 

Exeunt Swift r,, Policeman l. Scene changes. 
Scene IV. — Lucy Clifton's room. Enter Lucy, r., ivith work, 

Lucy. {Laying doivn her ivoo^k.) There! that is the fourth 
garment I have tinished to-day, and with the others already done 
will make a dozen. How kind in Mr. Clifford to obtain me such 
good work, and with such nice people ! They really take a great 
interest in me, but I suspect it is more on his account than oe 
my own. It seems very strange that he does not come here. 
Siiice the night lUtle Minnie died I have not seen him. I hope 
nothing has happened to him. (Knock at door.) That must be 
Mrs. Peters, who lives on the second floor. Come in. 

Enter Mr, Huntington, Maud, and Charles. 

Lucy. {Rising.) Strangers! I beg your pardon for not open- 
ing the door. Pray be seated. 

Hunt. Is your name Lucy Clifton? 

Lucy. It is, sir. 

Hunt My name is Samuel Huntington, and this is my daugh- 
ter Maud, and my son Charles, We called to see you, at the re- 
quest of your husband, who has just left Boston in the Bay 
State Rifles. 

Lucy. My husband! I don't understand you, sir. I am a 
widow. My husband died six years ago. You must have made 
a great mistake, 

LIunt. I think not. I refer to Mr. Edward Clitford. 

Lucy. Mr. Edward Cliftbrd? What do you mean, sir? What 
reason have you for supposing he is my husband? My name is 
not Clifl"ord, but Clifton. 

LIunt. It makes but little difierence in regard to the name. 
My object in asking you is this. Mr. Cliftord was engaged to 
my daughter until three months ago. One evening, while at my 
house, a letter was haLded him which appeared to attect him 
very much. During his excitement he dropped it. It was picked 
up and handed to me, as the information it contained was of the 
utmost importance. That letter came from you, and was signed, 
as you can see {handing her the letter), your loving wile, Lucy. 

(Lucy takes the letter, reads it. ) 

Lucy. I did write a letter to Mr. Cliflbrd, and probably on the 
very evening to which you refer. This letter, sir, is not the one 
I sent, although it is very nearly like it, except that I did not 
sign myself your loving wife, Lucy. 



OUR couy try's defkndkrs. 31 

(Huntington o-eiurnsio Ciiarlks, expresses astonishmevi.) 

Maud. {Crosses to Lucy.) And do yon trnly say that Edward 
Ciittbrd is not your luisbnud? 

Lucy. Sincerely I do. 

Maud. Then what relalionsliip exists between you? 

Lucy. He is my ])enefactor, and a true i'riend to me. But for 
him 1 shoukl liave perished from starvation and exposure. 

Maud. Is it possible? How strange that Edward never men- 
tioned you to us ! 

Lucy. Not so very strange. Mr. Clifford is not a man to 
trumpet forth his aciions to the world; he is satisfied with hav- 
ing relieved a suffering fellow-creature from distress, and there- 
fore had no desire to speak of it, not eveu to you, miss, of whom 
he has often spoken, and always in terms of highest praise. 

Maud. O father! I fear we have done Edward a great wrong. 
{To Lucy.) Will you tell us the circumstances of your becom- 
ing acquainted with him, and how he relieved you from vvant? 

Lucy. I will, with pleasure. But, first, I will give you a little 
history of my life. I was married ten years ago to Mr. John 
Clifton, of New York. We lived happily togetlier for four years, 
when he was taken from me, leaving me with an infant child, 
alone in the world. He left me a little property, which, with 
careful management, lasted until a few months iigo, I was then 
taken sick, and being unable to work we were reduced to ex- 
treme want. One night last January, after having been without 
food all day, I wandered forth into the streets, determined, if I 
could oi)tain help in no other Avay, to beg. It was a bitter cold 
night, the storm beat down furiously, and the streets were almost 
deserted. Men hurried by me, and to my entreaties for help, 
only buttoned their coats tighter and passed on. In my despair 
I threw myself down on the sidewalk to die. Just then i\Ir. 
Clifibrd came along, and, seeing me, stopped and spoke to me. 
I told my story, and he took pity on me. He took me back to 
my miserable home, procured me fire and food, and left me, 
promising to call and give me further assistance next day. 

Maud. {In tears.) How nol)le ! How like his dear, geneious 
nature! And to think that we should have believed him such a 
villain! Oh, 1 can never foi'give myself for having listened to 
it, much less believed it! 

Bunt. I begin to think we were rather hasty, and I am vexed 
with myself for not having given him a chance to tell his story. 
It would have saved the poor boy many hours of pain and suf- 
fering; but go on with your story. 

Liicy. True to his promise he called upon me the next day, 
cheered me by his kind words, and made the future look brighter 
to me than it had before since my husband's d'^ath. He removed 
me from the miserable place I was then living in to this comfort- 
able home, procured me good work, and at much better pay than 
I could have obtained without his assistance. Quite often he 
called here to see if we were comfortably situated, but since the 
night I wrote him I have seen nothing of him, and now you say 
lie has gone to war. 



32 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, 

Himt. Yes, lie left j^esterclay, unci before going he wished us to 
come and see you, saying that you could explain matters to our 
satisfaction. I am now thoroughly convinced that you are not 
Edward's wife, for I have listened to your story with interest, and 
believe it to be true, and if I could only account for that letter I 
should be perfectly satisfied. 

Luc^j. Can you think of no one who would have an object in in- 
juring Mr. Clifford, and who might have written the letter? 

Charles. (^Starting suddenly, as though struck with an idea.} 
Yes. Let me see this terrible letter, if you please. I have never 
seen the cause of all this mischief before. (Lvcy hajids iheletter 
to Charles; he reads it, then carelessly turns it over and starts). 
Eather, did you read the whole of this letter? 

Hunt. {Taking letter.) Why, yes, of course I did. 

Charles. Both sides of it? Turn it over, please. 

Hunt. (Turns over letter, and reads): " Send shipment of Sea 
Island Cotton and oblige, yours truly, Sam'l Huntington." (All 
listen eageoly.) Why, I have never seen that before! 

Charles. Do you remember writing such a letter. 

Hunt. I do, some six months ago, to Mr. Lockwood. 

Charles. Exactly. There you have the mystery cleared up, as 
it might have been months ago, if j^ou had read the whole letter. 

Hunt. I understand. You wish to imply that Mr. Lockwood 
wrote that letter, and put it in the envelope in place of the 
original. 

Charles. Eight. It is as plain to ray mind as though I saw him 
do it. 

Maud. Do you think he would do such a thing as that? 

Charles. No; I don't think so, I know it. You don't know that 
man as I do! He is capable of anything, no matter how rascally 
it may be. 

Hunt. But what could be his object in injuring Edward? 

Charles. I don't know, unless he was after Maud, and wished to 
get rid of Edward in that way. 

Hunt. What could 1 have been thinking of that this did not oc- 
cur to me before ? It is all clear now, — Mr. Lockvvood's endeavor- 
ing to make me believe that Edward was not worthy of Maud, his 
being so ready to show me the letter, and his appearing to be so 
gratified at the result. I wonder at my being so blind. 

Charles. So do I, but not so much at you, as at Maud. Her love 
should have kept her faith in him proof against all calumnies. 

Hand. Charles, do not condemn me. I was so overcome by 
what that letter contained, that I had no time to think. Since 
then I have thought it all over, and my heart told me, just what 
has been proved here, that he could clear himself. Father, now 
that I know Edward is true, I ean stay at home no longer. With 
your permission I am goins; to Washington, volunteer my services 
as a nurse, and take an active part in this rebellion. 

Lucy. Take me with you, I have nothing to keep me at home, 
and I, too, long to take an active part in this war. Will you not 



OUR couNrnr's defexders. 33 

let nie ^o with yon ? and toiicMior we will work to relieve the suf- 
fering of tliose wlio are so noljly (ialitingfor our country's defence. 

Maud, 1 should be delighted to liave yon go. Call at my house 
to-morrow, antl we will talk this matter over. 

Hunt. Mrs. Clifton, if there is any assistance I can render you, 
or if you require my services in any way, don't hesitate to call 
upon me. ^ 

Lucy. Thank you, I know of nothing now. 1 only wish that 
this affair could have been cleared up before Mr, Clifford went 
away. 

Hunt. No more than I do. We will bid you good morming, 
and remember, if there is anything you need, do not be afraid to 
speak of it, 

Maud. Don't forget to-morrow, {Exit Huntington, Maud, 
and Ciiaki.es.) 

Lucy. {Goes to table, sits, and takes up ivork.^ What a very 
Strange affair! And to think that I should be interested in it, 
too. I am surprised that Mr. Huntington and Maud, knowing 
Edward as they do, should not have seen through this trick as 
easily as Mr. Charles did. {Drojys her work.) J)ear me, how 
sleepy I ami My good, kind benefactor, would that you could 
know this night how fully you are exonerated from all blame ! 
Heaven spare your life and shield yon from the enemicfe' bullets, 
for where the tight is the thickest, there I am sure you will be 
found. (Falls asleep.) MusiC. — Pianissimo. 

Animated Tableau (at back.) 

(Lucy's Vision.) 



34 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS. 



ACT III. 

SCFNic I. — Camjy. — Row of ienis on each side, vjitli ivall tent at 
back. — Bugle sounds " Reveille " outside. — Drums heat same on 
stage. 

Ord. Serg. Huntington. {Coming out of his quarters.') Turn 
out, boys, for roll call. {Soldiers come out of tents and form line, 
all but Swift and Fiirrz. Private HarhJs, in shirt sleeves.) 

Ord. Serg. 11. Harris, go back to your quarters and get yonr 
blouse. {Calls roll.) Serg. Clifibrd (here) ; Serg. Foster (here) ; 
Serg. Brown (on guard); Corp. Bryant (here); Corp. Benson 
(here); Corp. Heushaw (on guard) ; Corp. Jenning (here ; Prir 
vate Butler (here) ; Priv. Chittenden (on picket) ; Chester (here) ; 
De Peyster (here) ; Dudley (here) ; Davis (here) ; Farquharson 
(here) ; Harris (here) ; Picket (here) ; Pulsifer (here) ; Ray- 
mond (here) ; Rogers (here) ; Ranson (on guard) ; Speighelhaul- 
ter {asleep in his quarters ;) Swift {coming out of his quarters, 
huttoning up his blouse, aiid in his stocJcing feet) (here) ; Pi'ivate 
Swift, go back to your quarters and put on your shoes; Private 
Sampson (on guard) ; Private Thompson (here) ; Tewksbury 
(here). {Ord. Se7'g. HvwriNGTO^ details guard). Serg. Foster, 
Corp. Benson, Privates Picket, Pulsifer, Raymond and Rogers. 
Camp Guard. Corp. Bryant, Privates Dudley, De Peyster and 
Davis for police duty. Right face, break ranks, march. {Troops 
go to their tents.) Corp.Brj^ant, j^ou will excuse privates Dudley 
and Davis from police, and put in their places privates Swift and 
Speigelliaulter. {Serg. II. goes to his tent.) 

Corp. Bryant. {Goes to Private Davis' te^it, and to next tent.) 
Private Davis, you are excused from police. Private Dudley, you 
are excused from police. {Goes to Fiuxz' tent.) Dutciiy, you and 
Fatty Swift are put on police. 

Swift. What's that fo\-? 

Fritz. Dat ish played out. I vas on polices yesterday. I have 
got me orful sick. I am going up to see the sturgeout, when 
the sick call comes round rait the drum. 

Corp. Bryant. Well, you will have to goto the Orderly; I can't 
excuse you. 

{Orderly com.es doivn. Swift and FniTZ go to him.) 

Swift. Say, Sergeant, I Wasn't detailed for police. I was on 
guard yesterday. 

Fritz. I can't go me on polices; I got sick mit my stomach. 
Oh, I feel so ba(f! 

Ord. Sergt. II. You are both put on police for not being at roll- 
call this morning. 

Stvift. I was at roll-call, sergeant. 

Ord. Sergt. II. Yes, I know you was, after the roll was called. 



OUR country's defenders;. 35 

Fritz. Sci'ijeant, I was sicker mit mv stomach, as all iiii^ht I 
could n't crawl me out mit the tent. 

Ord. Sergt. TI. You were all ri«;fht at the cook-hoiise, last night. 

Fritz. I knows, but dis is since that. 

Ord. II. Well, you must fall in at the sick call, antl if the Doctor 
excuses you from dutjs all right. 

Fritz. Veil, I goes mit the sick doctor, w^en he calls mit the 
bugle, {Rubbing his stomach.) Oh, mine Got in Ilimmel, Ise so 
sick! {Breakfast call sounds on bugle, men fall in ivith folates and 

tin dippers.') 

Fritz. {Forgetting his sickness.) Breakfast ; veres my dishes. 
{Runs and gtts his disJies and crowds into head of line. Company 
march out and get rations, and return to quarters. Fritz, Swift 
and Alpiionse come together, and sit doxvn in front of their tent, 
Fritz eatin g furiously. ) 

Alphonse. Fritzy, you don't eat much like a sick man. I guess 
you feel better. I should hate to have to feed you if 3^ou were 
well. 

Fritz. Veil, I feels a little mite better. VeD I eats I always 
makes me better. 

Sivift. Say, Fritz, go light on that, that's all you'll get to day. 

Fritz. Don 't I got me no dinner ? 

Swift. Nary a dinner. The cook told us last night they was 
going to issue rations in the morning for all dny. 

Fritz. {Dropp)ing his knife.) Den I gone right off and change 
my boarding house." If I can't got me three meals a day, 1 go 
. me back home again. {Holding up hard tack.) You think that 
last me all day. 

Bryant. Judging from the sick night you had, and the way 
you have commenced, I don't think it will. 

Fritz. What's de matter wid you, Smarty? Whose stomacli is 
this what I got to feed, ain't it? 

{Bugle sounds sick call.) 

{Three or four men fall in.) 

Brant. There you go Fritzy ; fall in with the lame, sick and lazy. 

Fritz. 1 ain't got me done mit my preakfast yet. {Fills his 
mouth full and puts the rest under his blouse, and ivhilc heisniarch- 
ing out, keepfs taking bite on the sly.) 

FiUTZ and other sick men come back, Fritz looking thoroughly 

disgusted. 

Alphonse. Did the doctor excuse you? 

Swift. Did he give you any medicine to cure you? 

Fritz. Don't speak mit me. 

Bryant. What's the matter, Dutchy? What did he say to you? 

Fritz. Veil, I went up there, and he told me vat vas the matter 
mic me, and I said I feel very bad of my stomach, so he gave me 
sometings nasty and told me to took it, and den I vould veel me 



36 OUR country's defenders. 

better. I took it, and dnnder and blitzen wasn't it dirt}' ; and den 
I thoni>-l)t lie wonld say, go baclv and lay down mit your tent. 

Alplionse. Well, what did he say? 

Fritz. Ven I took the stuff he says, man, you feel all right ; you 
can go back and report for duty. If I ever catch me mit that 
doctor ven I get home, I makes him take something vat he don't 
like. 

Corp. Bryant. Well, fall in for police duty. 

Alphonse, Swift, ajic? Fritz go down to cook-house, comeback, and 
sweep company street. Bugle calls for guard mounting. 

Ord. Serg't. H. Fall in for guard mounting. {Men detailed for 
guard, fall in, march off.) 

Enter Pedler witJi two baskets, apples and oranges. 

Pedler. Here's your nice oranges and apples ! {Boys all crowd 
around him. Swift and Fritz get up nearest to the man.) 

Swift. How much do you ask for apples ? 

Pedler. Five cents apiece. 

Swift. Got any little ones for a cent? {Soldier reaches behind 
the man, and takes an apple. Ped.ler turns round.) 

Pedler. Here! what are you doing there? {As he turns round 
some one pushes Fritz over the basket, and the apples and, oranges 
roll around the stage. Boys all scramble for tlieon. ~EuiT7j picking 
himself up.) 

Fritz. Oh, vat's the matter? Say, Swifty, give us a bite of 
that apple. 

Pedler. Now, who is going to pay me for that fruit? {Ttvo or 
three of the boys grab him and put him. out, and then throw his bas- 
ket after him.) 

Filter Pedler and Capt. Gregg. 

Capt. Gregg. Which one of you was it that tipped over the 
man's basket? 

All say. It was Dutchy ! 

Fritz. 'Twasn't me ! Some feller pushed me and tumbled me 
down. I could't help it. You fellers are always laying everything 
on me. So help me General Butler, captain, I did not get a bite ! 

Capt. G. {Turns to Pedler.) It will be pretty hard work, my 
man, to find out any particular one who did it. The whole com- 
pany aie to blame, and if I punish one I must punish the whole. 
1 will take care it does not occur again. 

Pedler. But who is to pay me for my apples and oranges? 

Cap)t. G. HoAv much were they Avorth? 

Pedler. Five dollars. 

Bryant. Don't you give it to him, captain. He did not, have a 
dozen of any kind. Give him a half a dollar, and let him go. 

All say. That's so ! Kick him out! {All make a rush toward 
him.. Captain orders them hack.) 



ovn corrxTnY\'^ defexdehs. 37 

Capt G. Stop, boys! no violence. My good man, you had bet- 
ttM-get out of this belbre you get liiu-t, (Pedler exits hurriedlu, it.) 

Ente?- private Ciiitten'DEX ivith a co7itrahand. Boys gather 

around him. 

Harris. Where did yon get that crow-foot, Henry? 

Chit. Picked Iiini up on the outpost. He says he wants to be a 
Yanlvee. 

Bryant. Well, thou, he has got to be whitewashed. 

Ponipey. I wouldn't be de first whitewashed nigger in de camp. 
(C.vPT. G. comes out of his quarters.) 

Capt i-r. What liave you there, private Chittenden? 
' Chit. Contraband, sir, from the outposts. He wanted to come 
into our camp. 

Capt G. Do you want to stop with us? 

Pornpey. Yes, massa, I spec's I does. 

Capt G. What's your name ? 

Pompey. Pompey Napoleon Washington Jackson. 

Capt G. What can you do, Pompey? 

Pompey. Can't do nutRii, massa. 

Capt. G. Where did you come from? 

Pompey. Came from down de road yere, a piece, I reckon on. 

Capt G. Where do you. live? 

Pompey. l)on"t live nowhere, massa. Stops around anywhere 
I can get a place. 

Capt. G. Are there man}' rebs over where you came from? 

Pompey. Is dere many rebs? De wood is full of him. Dere 
is more than fourteen hundred thousand over yonder in dat to- 
bacco field. 

Capt G. Come into my quarters, and I will see if I can't find 
something for you to do. 

They go into quarters. Captain gives him sivord and piece of rag. 
PoMPEV comes out cleaning sivord, takes off his coed and hat and 
throws them down side of tent, and comes doivn singing. Boys 
crowd around him. 

Bryard. Pompey, can you sing? 

Pompey. No, massa; I never sing 'cept sometimes when I goes 
to meeting. 

Bryant. Well, what do you sing there? 

Pornpey. AVe sings psalms, hymns, and odder tings. 

Bryant. Give us one. 

Pompey. Oh no! I can't, deed I can't; I never sings only to 
myself. 

Bryant. Just once, Pompey, and we will join in the chorus. 

Boys all say. Yes; give us a tune. 

Pompey. Well, if you will join in the chorus, I will sing for 
you. (^Strikes up camp-meeting hymn. Boys join in the chorus.) 



38 OUR covntey\s defenders, 

Ord. Serg't II. {Comes out of quao-ters.) Boys, no dress parade 
this afternooD. {Retires.) 

While the lays are singing chorus, Fritz is malting violent gestic- 
ulations, as if in pain. 

Swift. Say, Billy, look at J'ritz ! See liow pale he is. 

Billy. Wiial's the matter, Dutchy? Got the colic? 

Fritz. I doD't know \vhat you call it, but I got soraetings. I 
tink it was dat stufi' vat the sturgeon gave me. I wish he got it 
back again 1 

Billy. Well, never mind. You will get over it soon. "VVe 
will cure you. (Bkyant takes Ehitz down front. They talk in 
dumb show. Boys bring in blanket. Billy backs Fkitz into it. 
Boys toss him up.) 

Swift. How's that, Fritz? Don't that make you feel better? 

Fritz. {Speaking as he goes tip and doivn.) 'Tis all right when 
I go up, butven I come down I don't like it. {Bugle calls tattoo. 
Boys drop blanket and go into their tents.) 

Fritz. {Shaking himself and muttering.) I tink dat Billy 
makes himself a good doctor. I recommend him to cure the 
colic every time. If he got me mad I kick him all full of holes 1 

SergH Foster goes around to different tents with candles. Boys 
light up, come outside of tents, and sit down on stage smoking 
and talking in dumb show. Music and singing until taps. 
Taps beat, lights shut out, and all quiet. Long roll beat at a 
distance; taken up by drums in camp. Capt. G. com,es out of 
tent and orders. 

Capt. G. Turn out, boys ! Long roll ! {Men rush out in con- 
fusion.) 

Battle Business, Scene Closes. 

Scene II. — Interior of the old Stone Church. Soldiers bringing 
in ^voundcd 'men on stretchers. They bring in Alphonse, 
wounded in the leg. Buya'ST follows behind the stretcher; Swift 
wounded in the head, supported bij two soldiers. Foster ivound- 
ed in the right shoulder, brought in by arms and legs. Two or 
three wounded Rcbs brought in with others. Edward, wounded in 
left shoulder, brought in on stretcher, Ka^uy following. 

Nurses awe? Surgeon (Maud awe? Lucy as nurses), enter with 
the soldiers, R. and L. 

Harry. {To Edward.) There Ned, how do you feel now. Are 
you in much pain. 

Edward. {Speaking with effort.) Not much Harry, don't mind 
me ; go and look after some of the boys that are more badly 
wounded. 



OUR couxmy's defexders. 39 

Reh. Priv. Small. Walcr; water; for the love of heaven give 
me just a drop of water. 

Edward. Who is that c;ills for water? Harry, tliere is a little 
in m\ canteen; give it to the poor fellow. (Hauuy carries can- 
teen to rebel private Small; gives him a driiik.) 

Small. 'J'iiank yon, Yank. You are a good fellow. Give us 
your hand. (Shake hands.) We are all on a level now, and we 
don't liold any hard feelings, do we? 

Harry. No. Not one. 

(Lucy and other Nurses attend the wounded.) 

Maud. {Goes to Swift.) Where are j'on wounded? 

Sicift. In llie head, marm. (Rubbing his hand on ivound.) 

j^aud. (Binding up his head.) AVluit company do vou belong 
to? 

Swift. Bay State Rifles, from Boston. 

Mnnd. Bay State Kities! Do vou know Sergt. Huntington 
and Edward Clilford? 

Swift. Yes, marm. Ned is badly wounded, and I think they 
brouiilit him here, with the rest of ns. 

iVniid. (In cnniing down meets FTarry. In surprise each call 
the other by name.) Are vou wounded? 

Harry. No. 1 escaped without a scratch, but how came you 
here ? 

Maud. I volunteered as a nurse, just after your company left 
home, and have been in Washington and following the array 
ever since. Is Edward here? 

Harry. Yes, and very badly wounded. 

Maud. Oh, where is he? take me to him. 

Harry. (Caj-ries Maud to where lLmyAT>.D is lying.) Ned, here 
is some one you would like to see. 

Edward,. (Opening his eyes in astonishment.) ^laud Huntington, 
am I dreaming? 

3[avd. No, dear Ned. It is I; thank heaven we meet again. 
Are you badly hurt? 

E'livard. I think not. I shall be all right by and by. But 
where did vou come from? 

Maud. From Washington. After you left I could not content 
myself with the listless, humdrum life at home, when I knew so 
many of our brave boys needed assistance. I came to Wash- 
inuton accompanied by Mrs. Clifton. We volunteered a>< nurses, 
and since then have followed the army, caring for the wounded 
and sick. 

Edward. That's like you both, looking after the welfare of 
others, at the sacrifice of your own pleasure. 

Maud. Edward, can _you forgive me for thinking you were 
false? We called upon Mrs. Clifton as you requested, and heard 
from her lips the story of your kindness and charity. 



40 01772 COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, 

Edward. I have notliing to forgive, Maud. INIy onl}^ regrets 
are that you could not have known the truth before. 

Maud. And will you forget what has happened, and let us be 
to each other as we were before? 

Edward. Aye. Gladly will I forget it; hereafter it shall 
never be mentioned between ns, and if the thought of it ever 
comes to our minds it shall only bind us closer to each other, 
and make our love still stronger. 

(Edwakd grows faint. Maud siippoi'ts him.} 
(Enter Pkivate Harkis, hurriedly.) 

Private Harris. The Kebs are coming down the road on the 
double quick. 'J'hose of you wlio can walk had better get out of 
this, if you don't want to be captured. 

Alplionse. You had better go, Billy; there is no need of your 
staying to be taken. 

Bryant. No, Phony, I promised your mother, when we left 
home, I would take care of you, and if I go and leave you I 
shan't be true to my word. 

Alphonse. Never mind, Billy, go ahead; you are not wounded, 
and can easily get back to our lines. 

Bryant. Well, if you say so, I will go; but I don't want to. 
I had rather stay, even at the risk of being taken pi'isoner. 

{Shakes hands with Phony, and exit, r.) 

Edward. Harr}', take Maud with you, and escape before it is 
too late. 

Maud. No, Edward, I will stay with you, no matter what the 
risk. 

Harry. That will be foolishness, Maud. If you were to stay 
you would only receive ill-treatment at the hands of these bar- 
barians. 

Edward. You must both 2:0. It would be folly to stav. 

Harry. Maud, fly with the surgeon, and these men who are 
not badly wounded. I am determined to stay with Ned, and 
you can't change my mind. Be quick. (Maud goes to Ned.) 
You haven't a minute to spare. 

(Maud stoops down and kisses Ned, then goeshackto LuCY.) 

(Enter Rebels headed ly Major McKik, Col. Lockwood with 
them, hi^inging in Bryant, whom they have captured.) 

Jjocktvood. Major, pick out our men, send them to the rear and 
see that they are well cared for. These cursed Yankees you can 
put under guard ; we will cart them to Eichmond, they ai-e so 
anxious to get there. (Coynes down to where ILdw aud and Harry 
are.) (Sarcastically.) Holloa, who have we here? GentU-'Uien, 
this is indeed a surprise. I am delighted to see you, under the 
circumstances. Considering the very hospitable treatment I re- 
ceived from your father, my inclination would be to send you 



OUR country's defenders, 41 

home; but my patrldtisiii and duty to the cause I represent 
obliges me, very unwillinuly I assure you, to send you to Kich- 
niond with the other i)risoners. By the way, Mr. Clifl'ord, how 
did you settle that little afl'air Avith your beloved? Did the old 
man take you back aij^aiu? Are yon married; or did Miss Maud 
think you too much married already? 

Enter Rebel Cavalryman wUh despatches to Major jMcKie, 
duriyig the above. Major McKie comes cloivn to Lockavood. 
Maud and Lucy also come doivn. 

Major McKie. {Saluting.') Colonel, information has been re- 
ceived from one of Capt. Toombs' spies that Col. Chas. Hun- 
ting-ton will be the bearer of important despatches to Gen. 
Barry. 

Lockivood. Have Capt. Toombs take his men down to tlie 
Stone Bridge. I will meet you there. {Exit Major McXie, r.) 
{To Haruy.) If I am fortunate enough to capture your bi'other 
Charles, I assure you I shall not send him to Richmond. I will 
swing him up. He and I have a little private matter to settle. 
{To Edwakd.) I had almost forgotten. I have something be- 
longing to you in my pocket. Oh, yes, here it is; the original 
letter you received from Lucy Clifton. {Takes out letter, and 
holds it up.) 

Edwa.-d. Then you are the cause of all my misery. May 
heaven foriiive you. I never can. 

Harry. Yow are a heartless villain, Guy Lockwood, to taunt 
ii poor wounded man in this way. You would not dare to do it 
if he did not lie here helpless. 

Lochwood. Don't get excited, young man ; keep cool. I hold 
no hard ieelings against him. We were after the same object, 
your lovely sister. He wanted her for her love, and I for her 
money, and to all appearances neither of us will gain our object. 

Edward. I will live in spite of all you can say or do, and 
will yet wed Maud Huntington. 

Lockwood,. {TauntingVy shaking the letter in his face.) Per- 
haps you will, young man; but you don't look much like it 
DOW, though. 

(EDW^\.RD grabs letter and aims revolver at Lockwood. Lock- 
wood d.raivs sword, throws vp Edwai:d's arm. I>()CKW(^od in the 
act of stabbing Edward. Lucy x'laces cross in front 0/ Edward. 
Tableau of Characters. Scene closes. 

Scene III. — Awood. 

Enter Pompky, k. 

Pompey. Dis is the worsted times I ever seed; tings aint now 
as they use to was. I'se just been down to see de olc woman, 
and such a mess as dere is down dere, I never seed. De ole 



42 OUR country's defenders. 

woman is clone gone off, and the Avhole roof is blown off de 
shanty. Nice and airy down dare now. Holloa, who's dis? 

Enter Maud and Lucy, r. 

diaiid. Oh, sir, can you direct ns to the Union camp? 

Pompey. Sartin sure I can, misses; you see dat ole shanty 
down dar, wid the r()of clean gone. Well, you go down by dat, 
den you take the fast turn to de right; den you go along a 
piece till you come to the cross roads, and dat will bring you 
to de Union camp. 

Lucy. Shall we4)e likely to meet any Rebels? 

Fompey. Don't tink you will, misses; dey's done gone off the 
Oder way. Aint seen any of the Johnnies anywhere around here 
for sometimes. 

3Iav.d, Heaven grant that we may be in time to warn brother 
Charles! It can't be more than two miles to camp, and if we 
can reach there in an hour we may save him. {To Pompey.) 
Will you not go with us as far as the picket-lines? 

Pompey. Ob course I will. I'se just going down dat way my- 
self. {Exit Maud, Lucy a nc? Pompey, l.) 

Scene IV. — Mountain Pass. 

Chakles LIuntington comes down path, and enters on the stage 

from hack., L. 

Charles. What a very lonely I'oad this is to be on. I hope I 
haven't lost my way, . I must proceed carefully, for I have yet 
three miles to go, and it won't do to be captured with these des- 
patches on me.. (Examines revolver.) Let me see. Pass the old 
mill and take the tirst right hand turn. (Starts off, u. u. e.) 
(As he starts off, two Rehs come down from the right in rta.r of him. 
Rebs come in on each side of stage. Enter Col. Lockwood, Mc- 
KiE and Capt. Toombs, r. u. e.) 

Col. Lockwood. M.ij. McKie, search that man and see if you 
can tind any important papers about him. (3Iajor searches CoL. 
Huntington ; takes papers and hands them to Lockwood.) 

Locktvood. You diduL expect to see me here, did you? I have 
been waiting for you for the last hour, and began to think thafc 
I wasn't to have the pleasure of your company. Do you remem- 
ber the last time we met? I promised you that if the fortunes 
of war permitted us to meet again, I should spare no pains to 
remind you how you blocked my little game. Well, here we 
are, and I hold tlie winning ijand. What do you suppose I am 
going to do witli you, eh Charles? 

Charles. You can do nothing with me, according to the rules 
of civilized warfare, but keep me as a prisoner until I am ex- 
changed. 

Jjockwood. Damn civilized warfare; what do you think I care 
for it. In your case I propose to take the law in my own hands, 
I am going to be judge, jury, and executioner. You see that 



orn country's defenders. 43 

tree over lliere? Well, I intend to try the strength of one of 
its liinljs by snspendinii; yon by the neck from it. To come to 
the point, Charles, I am going- to hang you if the cursed ro[)e 
don't break. 

Chailes. You dare not do it. I am a conunissioned oflicer in 
the Federal Army, and if you attempt to carry your barbar- 
ous threats into execution, mv government will retaliate two- 
fold. 

Lockxvood. Never mind that, I am willing to take the respon- 
sibility on ni}'- own shoulders. I'll do it first, and consider the 
results afterwards. String him np, you curs. (Kkbs take Ciiaklks 
to tree, put rope around his nech and prepare to storing liim v]p.) 

Lochivood. What do you think now about my daring to hang 
you? 

Maud. (Appears suddenly lack, L.) I will tell you what he 
tliinks, Guy Lock wood. You dare not hang him. (As Maud 
speaks, Rebel Soldier raises his musket to fire. L,OCK\vOOD starts 
vp towards him, tliroivs his gun up.) 

Lockxvood. Put down your gun, fool. Leave her tome. (To 
Maud.) Bravely said, sv,'eet Maud. I admire your courage; 
but, it strikes me you are rather putting your head in the lion's 
mouth. (Jestingly.) On what terms shall we surrender? 

Mavd. Release my brother instantly, or I will fire. 

Lockwood. Don't use such forcible arguments. I will tell you 
what I will do. If you will promise to marry me, I will agree 
to release your brother and send him back to camp. If you 
don't accept my proposition, I will swing him up, and take you 
along with me. What do you say? I will give you one minute 
to decide. 

Maud. ( Waves handkerchief. Bugle sounds outside.) There's 
my answer. (Union troops come in and form tableau. Union 
soldier aims at LocivWOOD. Soldier in act of cutting rope. PoM- 
PEY stands over. Characters range themselves.) 

Music — Yankee Boodle. 

Tableau. 



44 OUR COUNTEY^S DEFENDEJRS. 



ACT IV. 

Scene T. — Rebel Stockade. — One year is supposed to have elapsed 
bettveen thio'd and fourth Acts. — Slow music. — Act opens tcith 
thimder-storm. — Characters arranged in different positions, ly- 
ing doivn, walking, etc. — Harry lying down back. — Rude shel- 
ter-tents of blankets, etc. 

Alphonse. Ain't it most time for them to serve out rations, 
Billy? I am so hungry, 

Billy. I am afraid v/e shan't have anything to-day, Phony; 
our rations have been stopped for two days, so they say, because 
some of the boys were caught tunneling out. 

Alphonse. It don't seem possible I can go without food much 
longer. 0, Bill}'^, I fear I shall never live to go home again. 

Billy. Don't get down-hearted, Phony. Try and keep up a 
little while longer. We may be exchanged. 

Harry. {Coming down.) Have any of you seen Ned this 
morning? 

Stvift. He has gone to take a walk over to the other side of 
the stockade. 

Enter Sergeant Foster, l. 

Harry. Did you find out what the firing was about, last 
night? 

Foster. Yes. They caught some of the men trying to escape, 
and fired on them. About fifty have got away, and they are 
after them now with the dogs. There is some talk about an 
exchange, but I don't know as it is true. 

Hurry. We have heard that story so many times before that I 
glian't believe it until I see it done. Oh, I wish it could be so, 
for I am dreadful tired of this life. {Enter Ed^svard with small 
bundle of tvood, R.) Why, Ned, where did you get that wood, 
and where have you been? 

Edward. I helped to carry poor Dick Rogers out. He died 
about two hours ago, and we have buried him. Poor fellow, 
with his last breath he implored me to give him food. But I 
had none for him. This is the first time, Harry, siuce we have 
been shut up in this terrible place, that I have seen the outside 
of the pen. Oh, I cannot find words to describe how beautiful 
the grass and woods seemed to me. If what the Surgeon told 
me is true, there is some hopes that our sufierings will soon 
end. 

Harry. What did he say, Ned? 

Foster. Do you think there are any prospects of going home? 

Edward. He said there would be an exchange shortly. But 



OUR country's DEFKXDKIIS. 45 

we cannot place any conlkkMice in what lliey say, for tlicy liave 
proniiscHl todo so before. {Turns to \lii\\y.\\) How is Pliony 
this niornin.ir. Hilly ? 

Bryant. 1 tliink he is worse, Ned. I am afraid he is giving np 
altogether. 

Edwakd, Harry and Billy, go down io Phony. 

Edivard. Coni(!, clieer np, Phon.y ; don't give np in that \Ya\'. 
xUphonse. No, Ned, I cannot cheer np any more. In a little 
while 1 shan't want anything to eat, for 1 feel all gone here. 

{With great effort puis hand on stomach.^ 

Billy. Don't talk so, Pliony. I can't bear to liear you. Wh}^ 
Phony, Where's yonr ring? 

Alphonse. {Raising himself slowly. Billy supports him.) 

When I was out there (pointing to right), just now, an angel 

*came and took it and gave it to my mother. {Falls back dead.) 

Tableau. — An Angel handing ring /"o "Widow DePeyster. — 
Sloiv music io end of tahleaii. 

Billy. Ah, Harry, he is dead. (Characters come and looJc at 
him, rnurmur on stage, and. o'esurne their former p)Ositions.) 

Foster. Here comes McKie, boys. 

Enter Major jMcKie and. two -rebel soldiers, r. lie goes around 
stage till he comes to Pik^ny. 

McKie. Halloa, boys, there's another ration less. Take off 
that carcass with the rest. Here, some of you Yanks, help lug 
it out. 

Bryant. Please, Major, let me help bury him. He and I weie 
friends. 

McKie. No, stay where you are. If you go out there llie dogs 
will bile you. (Two soldiers take body out, l.) Come, Sergeant, 
fall in your Yankee liorde. 

Foster. Come, fall in, boys. (Men all fall in line.) 

(McKie, Eeb soldier and Foster go down the line.) 

McKie. Don't see but yon are. all in good condition this morn- 
ing; only one man from this squad gone to the Devil. (Turns io 
Harry.) Ain't you got about sick of this? Come, go outside 
to work and get gray clothes, and plenty to eat. 

Harry. No. I enlisted to serve my country, and I will never 
desert the cause. 

McKie. (To Edward.) Won't you take the oath, or will you 
stay here and die of hunger? 

Edicard. You can starve my body, but you cannot stain my 
soul with treason. 



46 OUE country'' S DEFENDERS, 

McKie. Humph! (To the other prisoners.) Men are wanted 
to woik clown on the Islands, under <;uard, as prisoners. Yoa 
won't have to take a musket. Yon are not obll^i>ed to go ; but 
those who do go, will be made to perform the work required 
of them, whether they like it or not. In return, we will give 
you rations of flour, meat, rum and tobacco. All those who will 
avail themselves of this opportunity, can pick up their traps 
and get ready to leave the prison. {Exit McKie, r.) 

{3Ien start to follow him.) 

Edward. Stop ! Fellow-prisoners. You have heard what this 
man has said. The work required of you is to dig rifle-pits for 
the enemy, though he has not squarely said so. You are called 
upon to desert the old flag, and to give assistance to our foe. 
Although many of you are slowly dyiug of hunger, yet it is 
treason to accept the proposition. "l, too, am starving. You 
can see written all over me, long imprisonment. We are fam- 
ishing; but let us show our enemies that we are not hirelings, 
but patriots; that we can die, but will not be dishonored, "is 
there one here, after sufl'ering for so glorious a cause, that will 
brand himself with traitor? 

{Prisoners shout — No, No, Never ! Prisoners sing chorus of 
Star Spangled Banner. Rehs outside sing chorus of Bonnie 
Blue Flag. Gun heard outside. Characters rush toicard wing, l. 
Bryant goes out. Returns, l.) 

Foster. What was it, Billy? 

Bryant. Notliing but a poor fellow who went over the dead- 
line, and was shot. 

Barry. He at least is out of misery. 

{Enter COL. Lockwood, McKie and Rebel Soldiers, \\.) 

McKie. {To Foster.) Fall in your squad again, Sergeant. 
Tell your men to pack up their spare clothes, and pick up their 
traps. Some of you will have a chance to get out of this. 

{Men cry " Exchange / " " Exchange /" and fall in.) 

Lockwood. Pick out only such men, Major, as will never be 
able to enter the service ag.iin. My orders are, to exchange no 
man that can handle a musket again. 

(Major goes doivn line and p)iclis out Harry, Edward, Foster, 
Bryant, and others; these go to left.) 

3IcKie. Colonel, I have selected from this squad, if you will 
look them over, I will go to the otlier squad and pick out the 
men from them. {Exit McKiic and Rebel soldiers, l.) 

Lockivood. {Goes to squad selected men, looks them over until he 
comes to Harry and Edward.) What, you here ! It seems as 



OUR COUXy'RV's DEJ'KXDKRS. ' 47 

thoug'h we were fated to meet uikUt all circn instances. So .you 
have been picked out to be exclian,:;ed ! (yoIlAUUY,) Well, I 
guess you can go. As for you {to Edwahd), I guess you can 
stand it to sta}' a little while longer. You look Iiale and hearty. 

Harry. Oil, please, Colonel, let him go with us ! The I\Iajor 
picked hiin out. 

Lockicood. We can't spare him ; the officers here have become 
so attached to him that they cannot bear to give liim up ; be- 
sides, 1 have not forgotten, that in spite of me, he was going to 
marry your sister. But it won't be on this exchange. {Jerhs 
Edward io other side.) Get over there with the rest of the 
scum. (Harry starts to go to Ked.) Where are you going? 

Harry. If he must stay her^, I am going to stay witli iiim. 

Lockwood. What disinterested friendship! You stay where 
you are, if 5-ou know when you are well ofl'. {Draws revolver. 
To reh soldier.) March these men out to the gate.) 

{Men march out, R. Harry gets out of ranks, and, onixes with 
remaining prisoners. Comes dovjn to Edward as he is fainting.) 

Edward. {To Lockwood.) Oh, let me go with them ! lam 
dying from hunger I Have you no heart, that you can see me 
here in this condition, and yet taunt me in such a manner? Here 
at your feet I humbly implore you to take me Avitli you. 

Lockwood. No; stay here and die like a dog. Y^ou shall never 
pass the threshold of that gate alive, if I can help it. 

{Exit, R.) 

Ilarry. Ned, don't give up. I will stay with you, and if we 
must die, we will starve together. 

Edward. Harry, why didn't you go when you had the 
chance? 

Ilarry. Because I couldn't go and leave yon here alone. Re- 
member our tunnel, Ned; iji tliat there is still a hope. 

(Prisoners heard in the distance singing, — " ITe are going 
home.") 

Characters roR:\r Tableau. 

Scene II. — Wood. — Exchanged jprisoners march across stage, 
singing, — " We are going home.'' 

, Scene III. — Deep wood, trees at hack. 

Enter Harrit, with branch of tree, svrpporting Edward, l. 

Edward. I can go no further, Harry. I am completely worn 
out. My limbs refuse to support me. 

Harry. Keep up a few moments longer, Ned. We can't be 
but a little way behind the other men. Hark I I hear some one 
coming. {They retire hack hehind a tree, L.) 



48 OUJl COUKTRY^S DEFENDERS. 

Enter rebel Pkivate Small. 

Small. I thoiig'lit I saw them pass this way. (Rests his musket 
on stage ; looks off, r.) 

Harry. {Creeping down behind him.) Oh, if I can only have 
the strength to strike a decisive blow/ (Hits rebel. Rebel falls. 
Harry drags reb out, r., taking his musket.) 

(Enter 'LocKWOOjy. L,. ;S'ee5 Edward. Grabs him by the throat, 
drags him doivn front, and throws him, upon the stage.) 

Lockwood. Now, then, I have got you. You thouglit to escape 
me, did you? If it had been any one else but you, I should not 
liave taken the trouble to follow. I'll soon put an end to yotir 
miserable existence. (Draws, and cocks his revolver.) 

Harry. Entering, r. I'll first put an end to yours. (IIakry 
Jires. Lockwood drops the revolver, and falls.) 

Lockwood. You have done it for me this time, Harry Hunting- 
ton ! Oh, I could have met death upon the battle-field, and 
welcomed it; but to die here by your cursed hands ! Ha! Ha! 
Don't think I am afraid of death! You cannot get away. 
Here Toombs, McKie, this way. (Falls back dead.) 

Tableau by characters. 

Scene IV. — Wood near the Coast. 

Enter Jack Tarbox and Tom Marlinspike, l. 

Tarbox. Well, shiver my timbeps, but this are a queer place, 
Tom. 

Tom. So it are. Jack. I reckon we must have lost our way. 
Ler,'s go down 'ere a piece and take a hobservation. 

Jack. All right, 'eave a'ead. I'll follow in your wake. We 
'aven't got much more time to find the gig before dark. 

Tora. No more we hain't. Jack. We had better be getting 
li'out of this 'ere blasted place. I don't like the looks of it. I 
should 'ate to fall into the 'ands of the henemy. 

Jack. Eight you are, Tom. But what are this a bearing down 
on us ? 

Tom. What, that 'ere h'object? Why, that's a h'african. 

Jack. A h'african ! What's a h'african? 

Tom. Why, a hunbleached hamerican. 

Enter Pompey, slyly, r. 

Jacki. Come here. Nig. Where are we? 

Pom-pey. 'Specs your here, ain't you? 

Tom,. Where's 'ere? 

Pompey. In de woods, ob course. Is you blind? 

Jack. Well, we want to go to the coast. 



OUR CO UA' try's defenders. 49 

Pompey. Wli^v de clebil don't yon ij;o dar, den? 

Jaclc. Can yon show ns tlie way? 

Pornpey. In course I can. What yon doins: ontlicre? Dos 
yon know where you are? Dere's Kehs all through dese woods. 

Tom. Let's iret h'out then. Nig-, which way shall we go? 

Pompey. Whar do you belong? 

Jaclc. To the transport "Pembroke," bound for Fortress Mun- 
roe, with exchanged prisoners. 

Pompey. Goin' norf, is you ? Will you take me wid you ? 

Jack. Yes; yon can go if yon will help us out of here. 

Pornpey. Come along, den. I show you de way. 

(Business. Exit Po:\ipey, followed by Jack and Tom, e.) 

Scene V. — Peck of the Transport " PernhroJcc." — Capt. 
Perky, Lieut. Harrison, and Sailors discovered. — Sailors busy 
about decks. — Q^\pt. Perry looking through spy-glass. 

Perry. Here they come, Mr. Harrison. I can see them, just 
down by the bend in the river. Send the boats ashore. 

Harrison. Ay, ay, sir. (Goes to side of vessel.) All right 
there ; shove off. 

(Cheers heard in the distance.) 

Perry. (To HaPvKISON.) Poor fellows; who can describe their 
sufferings? And how happy they must feel, to know that they 
will soon be under the prolectiou of the old flag. 

Harrison. It must, indeed, be a beautiful sight for them to 
behold, after their long imprisonment, — the stars and stripes 
again. 

(Cheers nearer.) 

Perry. Ay, and they appreciate it, too. This will be the fifth 
load of exchanged prisoners I have carried home; and the scenes 
that I have witnessed on the deck of this vessel have been 
heart-rending, and impossible to describe. Men, both old and 
young, and of all classes, so famished and weak that they could 
hardly crawl, have got up here on the quarter-deck, and sat for 
hours watching that flag, the tears streaming down their cheeks, 
and the only words coming from their lips, " Thank God ! 
Thank God ! " 

(Loudj cheering outside.) 

Haro'ison. Here they are now. Bear a hand there. (Sailors 
go to side, and assist PnisoNEUs on deck. — Bii.LY Buyant, Swift, 
Poster, and others. — Sw'IFT sits doivn by the side of the vessel, 
looks up at the flag, and comriiences to cry.) 

Billy. What's the matter, Swift? ^ What are you crying about? 
Swift. (Pointing to flag.) I can't help it, Billy; 1 feel so 
happy. 



50 OUR country's defenders. 

Billy. (^Turns aivay, almost crying.') Well, there's no use cry- 
ing about it. 

Foster. (^Goes to Capt. Perry.) Captain, couldn't you haul 
that flag down a little — just so we can touch it, only to see if 
it's real? 

Ferry. Certainly, if it will be any satisfaction to you. I will 
do so in just one moment. (Going to Lieut. Harrison.) Every- 
thing is in readiness. Give oi-ders to get undervveigb. 

Harrison. But, sir, Jack Tarbox and Tom Marliaspilie are 
ashore in the gig. 

Ferry. Send a boat ashore after them. 

Harrison. All right, sir. (Goes to give orders.) 

Ferry. (Taking Ms glass and looking.) Wait a moment, Mr. 
Harrison. I see them now. No, it ain't them-, it appears like 
two prisoners. They are running along the shore, and making 
motions to us. What is that behind them? Heaven have 
mercy on them, it is two blood-hounds, coming down the hill, 
in full chase! They cannot escape ! Ah, good! there's a boat 
coming out of the creek, just in front of them. It's Jack and 
Tom in the gig. The prisoners see them! They wade out into 
the water! JSow they are taken into the boat ! (Characters all 
cheer.) Just in time; not a second to spare! Thank heaven, 
they are saved ! (Shot fired outside.) Good, Tom; that blood- 
hound will never track another Union man. (Fanse.) 

Here they are! (Cheers. 3Ien all go to side of vessel. As 
Harry and Ned enter.) Captain haids down flag.) 

Enter Harry, supported by Tom, and Ned, hy Pompey and Jack 
Harry. See, Ned, the old flag ! Safe, safe, at last ! 

(Music. — " Star-Spangled Banner.") 
Tableau by Characters. 



OUR country' S DEFENDERS. 51 



ACT V. 

Scene I. — Room in Huniingion''s house. — Characters discov- 
ered. — Slow music. — Sloiu Curtain. 

Huntington. {To Doctor.) How do 3^011 think he is this 
mornina", Doctor? 

Dr. Su-ctt. (ShaJcing his head.) I see no change, either for 
better or -".vorse. In a few moments the fever will have reached 
its crisis, and we sluili then know whether he will live or die. 

Maud. Will he not recover con.'-ciousness again. Doctor? For 
two weeks he lias been delirious, and has recognized no one. Is 
there do hope ? 

Dr. Sicett. While there is life, there is hope. 

Harry. Few could have gone through what he has and lived 
to reach their home ; for besides the hardships lie has under- 
gone, he was suflering from his wound. INIany a man, but for 
his cheering words of comfort, would have laid himself down in 
despair to die. 

(Edward, delirious, o]pens his eyes vjildly, tries to raise himself 
itp.) 

Fdu-ard. Follow me, boys ! I'll lead you on ! Rally around 
the flag, and every man stand firm ! Ha! Ha! Guy Lockwood, 
5''ou wrote that letter ! You are the man who has caused me so 
much misery ! But I will live in spite of you ! — Oh, please let 
me go with the other men. I am so hungry. I am starving here. 
Oh, let me go ! Hark, Hariy, do you hear the blood-hounds ! 
See ! they are after us ! Let's get into the brook, and then they 
cannot track us ! — That's it! That's it! Now up that tree! — 
There's a Union vessel! Do you see the old flag flying there? 
Isn't it glorious! — Harry, the hounds are after us again! Quick 
into the boat! There, now we are safe ! {Falls hack exhausted.) 

Lucy. (Goes to Maud.) O ^Maud, this is terrible. 

(Edward again ojjens his eyes.) 

Edward. Where am I? {Pause.) 

Dr. Su'ett. The crisis has passed — he will live. 

3Iaud. Thank heaven. {Comes around to front of cot and 
kneels dou-n.) Do you know me, Edward? 

Edivard., Yes; it is Maud. {Siie takes his hand.) Is Harry 
here? 

Harry. Here I am, Ned. {Assisted to Ned.) 

Hiintington. Edward, you have been very sick ; very near to 
death's door; but thanks to the mercy of the Infinite Father, you 



52 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS. 

are jiow out of clanger. Eest easy here, for you are in my house, 
and shall be cared for as my son. Your every wish shall be an- 
ticipated, and all that can be done, shall be done for you. 

Dr. Swett. He must be kept very quiet, and avoid all excite- 
ment. A relapse at this time would prove fatal. 

Maud. He shall receive the best of care. Doctor, be assured 
of that. We love him too well not to do all we can to aid his 
recovery. Beside his being very dear to us as a friend, we owe 
him a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. He has served 
his country faithfully ; has fought nobly in her defence ; and all 
that we might live at home in peace, and that the Union 
might be maintained, 

Edward. For all the sufferings I have endured I am amply re- 
paid in knowing I have done my duty. And now the prospects 
are that our nation will be triumphant in this glorious struggle, 
I am proud that my name \n\\\ forever go down to posterity as 
one of our country's defenders. 

Tableau. — Our Country's Defenders. 

END OF DRAMA. 



^31 



